At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families overnight, ensuring safe care for children and providing assistance as needed.
- Company: First Steps, a dedicated Residential Family Assessment Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training support, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team committed to improving children's lives and family outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in care work and good communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are a Residential Family Assessment Centre that assesses and supports parents to develop the skills required to provide safe care to their children. Families are placed with us over a 12-14 week period whilst their parenting capacity is assessed following which we provide an evidence based parenting assessment to the placing Local Authority and court.
We are currently looking to expand our waking night team. Night shifts are 07.45pm to 08.00am and work on a rota system with weekend work included. Your role will involve monitoring cctv throughout the night ensuring parents are responding to their children in a safe and timely manner and offering support and assistance where required.
We are looking for candidates who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and their families. We expect successful candidates to be able to promote the well being of our families at all times and comply with all first steps company policies and procedures.
Successful candidates will work directly with families and will be contributing to the family assessment by way of their observations, monitoring and recording.
A diploma (level 3) or equivalent in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) is a distinct advantage however this is something we are happy to support with upon successful completion of probation.
First Steps is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of right to work in the UK. First Steps is an equal opportunities employer.
Person Specification:
Essential
- Resilient and motivated person
- Experience of residential family assessment/ Residential work/Care work
- Ability to use a computer and complete typing as most information is recorded in electronic form
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written, ability to engage parents and children
- Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental
- Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team
- Ability to contribute to the successful delivery of the service
- Experience of working with children and families
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and confidence to follow them
- Hold a full driving licence and have business insurance
Desirable
- GCSE in Maths and English at C Grade or above
- NVQ or Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People\’s Workforce or equivalent
- Previous experience in working in a residential family assessment centre
- Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as Pediatric First Aid trained
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Understand and adhere to First Steps Policies and Procedures.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge on The Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards 2013 and The Residential Family Centre Regulations 202 as amended.
- To work alongside and in partnership with team members and other professionals (Social Workers, Police, Education, and Health) to help families reach targets and expectations as outlined in their care plans and other plans for permanence.
- Keep up to date and accurate monitoring and records of the family\’s progress plus any incidents.
- Attend regular supervision seminars and staff meetings, actively pursue relevant qualifications and undertake training as required developing the post holders own skills.
- Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families in line with appropriate legislation and company policies.
- Contribute to and maintain a high level of recording and report writing, and contribute in meetings as required to assist in planning to meet the needs of children and their families.
- Support parents to respond to their children safely and timely
- Maintain a professional attitude and appropriate appearance at all times whilst on shift.
- Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required by the manager to assist the functioning of the care home or care towards children at that time.
- Such other duties as may be deemed appropriate from time to time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Residential Family Assessment: 1 year (preferred)
- Support work: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 25/10/2025
Residential Family Centre Waking Night Support Worker Full Time employer: First Steps North West
Contact Detail:
First Steps North West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Family Centre Waking Night Support Worker Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to family assessment and support work. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences and why you're committed to improving the lives of children and families. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Family Centre Waking Night Support Worker Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of children and families shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in residential family assessment or care work. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at First Steps.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that demonstrate your communication skills, so avoid any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Steps North West
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Waking Night Support Worker and the specific needs of families in a residential assessment centre. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in residential family assessment or care work. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact on families or children, as this will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Practice how you would respond to various scenarios involving parents and children, focusing on your calmness and adaptability.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding procedures. Share any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and families.