Waking Nights Residential Support Worker – Children's Home – Fixed Term Contract until July 2026
We're looking for a Waking Nights Residential Support Worker to support children & young people in this organisation's care by providing an emotionally secure, consistent, warm, supportive, and caring environment, using the principles of therapeutic parenting.
Position: Waking Nights Residential Support Worker (Fixed Term Contract until July 2026)
Salary: £25,896 per annum
Hours: 10pm-8am, on a rota basis to cover 7 days per week. A minimum of 40-hours per week.
Location: Leicester
Closing date: 26th September 2025
Interviews will take place for this role as suitable applications are received and the role may close before the closing date upon a successful candidate being appointed.
Benefits include: A generous 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays, Birthday Leave, Service Leave, Pension and Health Cash Plan, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Free YMCA Gym Access, Blue Light Discount Card and Complimentary Y Theatre Tickets.
About the role:
As a Night Waking Residential Support Worker, you will be working as part of a team towards supporting each child living within the home to feel safe, build on their strengths and encourage them to meet their potential. We expect the post-holder to have professional curiosity about the behaviours a child may exhibit and be prepared to have empathy and compassion during challenging incidents and be able to apply firm consistent boundaries. In addition, this role is intended to be able to hear and respond to a child that may need support overnight, with a special focus on safety the post-holder needs to be able to work on their own initiative.
The team will be supported to operate using the principles of therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed approaches.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Actively ensure the protection and safeguard the wellbeing of all children in the organisation's care
* To positively contribute towards outstanding service delivery helping children to fulfil their potential, promoting their welfare, and delivering positive outcomes in accordance with the Children's Home Regulations 2015.
* To create a welcoming domestic environment that is nurturing, safe and promotes the best outcomes for the children and young people living within.
* To comply with internal administrative processes in keeping with the Children's Home Regulations 2015 & GDPR requirements, to a high standard.
About you
The Night Waking Residential Support Worker will have excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills as well as a high level of honesty and integrity. You will ensure that your own targets are completed and you will contribute to a supportive environment to provide an effective service.
To succeed in the role of Waking Nights Residential Support Worker, your key skills will include:
* Minimum Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent
* Minimum of 1 years' experience within the last 5 years working in a residential home for young people, or, working in a supportive role with children/young people
* Must have a clear understanding of issues affecting children who have experienced trauma
* Ability to work professionally and courteously with a range of professionals both internal and external.
* Considers in advance the differing needs of others and adapts communication accordingly
About the organisation
The organisation is a multi-faceted community organisation providing a range of community services to the people of Leicester and Leicestershire.
In 2018 the organisation made the decision based on its experience of working with LAC and young people leaving care that there was a growing need to extend its services into the residential care sector for children and young people aged 7-18 through the setting up of its first children's home. The home provides medium to long-term placements for up to 3 children / young people at any one time.
We are dedicated to upholding best practices to ensure the safety and well-being of children, young people, and adults at risk. Our goal is to create an environment free from harm and abuse. If harm or abuse is identified or suspected, YMCA expects staff and volunteers to take appropriate action by responding and referring in line with our policies and operational procedures.
At YMCA Leicestershire, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values the unique contribution of every individual. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and we are especially keen to hear from those who are currently underrepresented in our organisation and the wider charity sector.
We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, empowered, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know and 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.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: Up to £25,896.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* On-site gym
* Referral programme
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person