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- Tasks: Support children overnight, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing.
- Company: YMCA Leicestershire, a values-led charity dedicated to youth support.
- Benefits: 33 days leave, birthday leave, gym access, and health cash plan.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working night shifts.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25896 - 25896 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ25,896
Hours of Work: 10pm – 8am on a rota basis (40-hours per week)
Location: Leicester city centre
Benefits:
- 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays
- Birthday leave
- Service leave
- Pension and Health Cash Plan
- Company Sick Pay
- Free on-site Gym access
- Menopause Welfare leave
- Complimentary Y Theatre tickets
- Blue Light discount card eligibility
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.
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:
- 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.
You’ll understand that children’s behaviour often reflects their experiences. As a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker, you will:
- Demonstrate compassion, empathy and professional curiosity
- Stay calm and regulated in challenging situations
- Uphold clear and consistent boundaries
- Protect children’s privacy and dignity
- Work independently while maintaining high professional standards
You’ll bring:
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or commitment to achieve within 2 years)
- At least 1 year’s recent experience supporting children or young people in a residential or supportive setting
- A strong understanding of trauma and child development
- Emotional resilience and sound judgement
- A commitment to safeguarding and regulatory compliance
- A full UK driving licence (access to a vehicle preferred)
- Eligibility under Care Standards Act requirements (minimum age 22)
Because people matter here, including the people who work here. We are a values-led charity supporting young people aged 16-25 through housing, care, wellbeing, sport and culture (including the Y Theatre, Leicester’s oldest theatre). At our Residential Children’s home, we operate with high aspiration and strong therapeutic principles.
People chose to work here because:
- You are trusted to do meaningful work
- Kindness and professionalism go hand in hand
- Your development and wellbeing are genuinely supported
- You can see the difference you make every single day
Our vision is simple: every young person deserves a safe place to call home and the support to create lasting change.
YMCA Leicestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All staff are expected to act in line with our safeguarding policies and procedures.
We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds and identities, and we’re especially keen to hear from those under-represented in the charity and housing sectors. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just tell us, we will do our best to support you.
Applicants’ personal data will be handled in accordance with YMCA Leicestershire’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy.
Waking Nights Childrens Residential Support Worker employer: YMCA Leicestershire
Contact Detail:
YMCA Leicestershire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waking Nights Childrens Residential Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, or join online groups related to children's support work. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to residential support work. Think about how you would handle challenging situations and be ready to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting children. Share stories that highlight your compassion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at YMCA Leicestershire.
We think you need these skills to ace Waking Nights Childrens Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Waking Nights Residential Support Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to trauma-informed practice and emotional support, as these are key to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at YMCA Leicestershire.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Leicestershire
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the principles of therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed practice, as these will be key topics during your discussion.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your compassion, emotional resilience, and ability to maintain clear boundaries. Think about situations where you've successfully supported children or young people in challenging circumstances.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to safeguarding and emotional support, as this will show your understanding of the role's demands.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or how they implement their safeguarding policies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.