At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children overnight, ensuring their safety and emotional well-being.
- Company: YMCA Leicestershire, dedicated to providing safe homes for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and meaningful work experience.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives during their most vulnerable moments.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a desire to support and nurture children.
The predicted salary is between 27560 - 33684 £ per year.
Waking Nights Residential Support Worker
At YMCA Leicestershire, we believe every child deserves a safe place to call home and the support they need to create lasting change.
For the children living in our Residential Children’s Home, night-time can be the most vulnerable part of the day.
It can bring anxiety, memories, uncertainty or simply the need for reassurance.
This Waking Nights Residential Support Worker role exists to ensure that even while the world sleeps, children remain safe, supported and emotionally secure.
As a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker, you won’t just be “on shift” you’ll be a steady presence, a protector of safety, and someone children know they can rely on.
About the Waking Nights Residential Support Worker role
Working as part of our Residential Children’s Home team at Park House, the Waking Nights Residential Support Worker plays a vital safeguarding and care role overnight.
You’ll work using the principles of therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed practice, ensuring children aged 7–18 experience:
- Consistency
- Compassion
- Clear boundaries
- Emotional safety
This is not passive night work. It is purposeful, professional and child-centred.
- Key duties of the Waking Night Residential Support Worker
- Ensuring the home remains safe, secure and appropriately monitored overnight
- Maintaining awareness of children’s movements and responding calmly to any concerns
- Following safeguarding, missing and incident protocols in line with Children’s Home Regulations 2015
- Providing emotional support and reassurance to children who may need help during the night
- Completing accurate records, logs and handovers to day staff
- Contributing to a nurturing, structured and consistent environment that promotes positive outcomes
The Waking Nights Residential Support Worker works independently overnight while remaining fully connected to a supportive, reflective team culture.
An enhanced DBS check is required as part of our safer recruitment process.
YMCA Leicestershire does not offer Sponsorship.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
- Job Details
- Company: YMCA Leicestershire
- Salary: from £13,489 a year, pro rata
- Hours: Part-time
- Location: Leicester, LE1 6EY
- Working pattern: On-site
- Job type: Permanent
- Closing date: 11 Oct 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Read more employer: YMCA Leicestershire
At YMCA Leicestershire, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe and supported, especially during the vulnerable night hours. Our commitment to therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed care ensures that as a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in fostering emotional safety and stability for children aged 7-18. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive team culture, we offer meaningful opportunities for growth while making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more
✨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 YMCA Leicestershire, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at YMCA Leicestershire. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through YMCA Leicestershire's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more
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!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at YMCA Leicestershire. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
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 YMCA Leicestershire.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Leicestershire
✨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 YMCA Leicestershire.
✨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 Read more at YMCA Leicestershire.
✨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.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
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 YMCA Leicestershire that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Read more role.
