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- Tasks: Support and nurture children aged 12-17 in a residential setting during night shifts.
- Company: Join Essex County Council and be part of a caring community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training support, and every other weekend off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Open-minded, adaptable, and able to manage challenging behaviour.
- Other info: Full training provided; must be 21+ to apply.
The predicted salary is between 33013 - 41770 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£33,013 to £41,770 per annum (including allowance)
Location: Colchester
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Dates: W/C the 9th of March 2026.
Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you. It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision. New Farm Road is a newly refurbished short-term home for up to five 12-17 year olds, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.
Being a Night Support Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each shift brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.
Previous experience of working in a children's home would be beneficial; however, there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open-minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques. You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication.
If you don't already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of probation period and you will be supported with this. We will provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.
You will work an average of 37 hours a week with shift times being 9.15pm to 7.15am and you will have every other weekend off. The salary quoted is made up of a basic salary of £25,395 to £32,131 Per Annum and a guaranteed additional allowance of 30% (£7,618.50 to £9,639.30 Per Annum), paid monthly, alongside your basic salary.
If shortlisted, you will have an interview to explore the detail you provide in your application and give you an opportunity to discuss the role and ask any questions. Due to the nature of this role, any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.
Night Support Residential Worker in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Support Residential Worker in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Essex County Council and their values. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your de-escalation techniques! Since you'll be working with children who may display challenging behaviour, being prepared with examples of how you've handled similar situations can really impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share personal experiences! Whether it's volunteering or caring for someone, having stories that highlight your nurturing side will resonate well with the role of a Night Support Residential Worker.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Night Support Residential Worker in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly in a children's home. We’re looking for transferable skills, so connect the dots for us!
Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language and keep your application clear. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, so avoid fluff and focus on what matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Night Support Residential Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around providing nurturing care and managing challenging behaviour. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Share Your Experiences
Think about any relevant experiences you've had, whether in a professional setting or personal life. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or supported others, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your ability to connect with children and young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the training provided, the team dynamics, or how they support staff in managing challenging behaviours. It shows you're engaged and serious about the position, plus it gives you a better understanding of what to expect.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm and composed. Practice deep breathing techniques before your interview to help manage anxiety. A calm demeanour will not only help you think clearly but also reflect the patient attitude needed for the role.
