Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children overnight, ensuring their safety and emotional wellbeing.
- Company: YMCA Leicestershire, a values-led charity dedicated to helping young people.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, free gym access, birthday leave, and more.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25896 - 25896 £ per year.
Salary: £25,896
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 and 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 of the Waking Night Residential Support Worker include:
- 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 will 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 will 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)
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.
Waking Nights Residential Support Worker in Leicester employer: YMCA
Contact Detail:
YMCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waking Nights Residential Support Worker in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, especially those already working at YMCA Leicestershire. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the principles of therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed practice. Show us you know what it takes to create a safe and supportive environment for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! We want to hear about times you've demonstrated compassion and resilience in challenging situations. Real-life examples will make you stand out.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Waking Nights Residential Support Worker in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as we love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Waking Nights Residential Support Worker role. Highlight relevant experience, especially any work with children or in residential settings, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, as we appreciate clarity. This helps us understand your qualifications and suitability for the role quickly.
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’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp what being a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker entails. Familiarise yourself with the principles of therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed practice, as these are crucial for the role. Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've demonstrated compassion and empathy in challenging situations. This role is all about providing emotional support to children, so sharing personal stories that highlight your ability to connect with young people will really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as a child feeling anxious at night or needing reassurance. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team culture, training opportunities, or how they implement safeguarding policies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if the environment aligns with your values and expectations.