At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide overnight care and support to children with disabilities in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to quality care for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 15% unsociable hours payment, and part-time flexibility.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, patient, and strong safeguarding skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
Walsall Council – Waking Night Officer (Part-time, Bluebells short Breaks) – Ref: CH02426
Grade G5: Salary Range: £28,598 – £31,022 pro‑rated to hours worked. (Plus 15% unsociable hours payment)
Part Time: 20 hours per week
Bluebells Short Breaks Service provides specialist overnight residential care for children and young people with physical and learning disabilities within the Walsall area. It has a longstanding reputation for quality care and support to children with complex needs from its purpose‑built facility. We are looking for a waking night officer to join our established team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overnight care and support to children who are residents at Bluebells.
- Attend to a range of tasks relating to direct care and support of children, along with administrative and domestic duties during shifts.
- Work the service on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, including school holidays and public bank holidays.
- Work shifts from 21:45 to 07:45, twice per week on any of the above days.
- Be available during the daytime for occasional training and team events.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience working with children in a residential or similar setting.
- Patient, nurturing, child‑focused, with attention to detail.
- Clear and robust safeguarding approach.
- Strong initiative, able to respond effectively to challenging or unexpected circumstances.
- Age 22 years or older (must be 4 years older than the oldest resident).
Additional Requirements
- Working hours: 21:45 – 07:45, twice per week (rota provided four weeks in advance).
- Possibility of daytime availability for training and team events.
- Completion of a baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check.
- Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Closing date for applications: 28th June 2026.
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care. We expect all staff to share this commitment, and we will continue to develop robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding. Completion of an enhanced DBS clearance is a requirement for working with children and young people and vulnerable adults. If the successful candidate has lived, studied or worked abroad, they must declare any such periods and provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to any overseas time.
Waking Night Officer - Ref: CH02426 in Walsall employer: WMJobs
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that prioritises safeguarding and quality care, staff can expect meaningful engagement and growth opportunities within the community-focused Bluebells Short Breaks Service. The part-time Waking Night Officer role provides a unique chance to contribute to a reputable service while enjoying competitive pay and the flexibility of working unsociable hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waking Night Officer - Ref: CH02426 in Walsall
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like WMJobs, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
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We think you need these skills to ace Waking Night Officer - Ref: CH02426 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
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Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at WMJobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with WMJobs.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Waking Night Officer - Ref: CH02426 at WMJobs.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
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Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show WMJobs that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Waking Night Officer - Ref: CH02426 role.
