Therapeutic Waking Night Officer
Location: Fawkham, Kent Salary: £145 per night Hours: 4 nights per week on a rolling rota (9:00pm to 8:00am) Contract Type: Permanent
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Therapeutic Waking Night Officer to join a specialist residential childcare ofsted service supporting children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural, trauma, and attachment needs. This is a rewarding opportunity for a compassionate and resilient individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. You will play a key role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment throughout the night, helping children feel secure and supported.
Safeguarding & Supervision
- Ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of all young people throughout the night.
- Carry out regular welfare checks in line with risk assessments and care plans.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, and emergencies.
- Maintain safe and secure procedures for entry and exit during night hours.
Therapeutic Support
- Provide calm, nurturing support to young people who may struggle to settle or experience distress during the night.
- Use trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches to help young people regulate emotions and feel safe.
- Support consistent bedtime and morning routines.
- Work closely with the day team to ensure continuity of care.
Recording & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of observations, incidents, and nightly activities.
- Complete handovers and communicate relevant information to the incoming day staff.
- Ensure all documentation meets regulatory and organisational requirements.
Household & Environment Responsibilities
- Conduct health and safety, fire safety, and welfare checks throughout the night.
- Help maintain a clean, welcoming, and homely environment.
- Support preparation of the home for the following day.
Teamwork & Professional Practice
- Work collaboratively with the wider therapeutic care team.
- Attend training, supervision sessions, and team meetings as required.
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding standards at all times.
- Promote positive role modelling and uphold the values of the service.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Experience working with children or young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma, or attachment needs.
- Good understanding of safeguarding principles and professional boundaries.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and resilient in challenging situations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and child-centred practice.
- Willingness to work waking nights, including weekends and bank holidays.
Please note: This is a waking night position. Sleeping during shifts is not permitted.
Desirable
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to achieve this within two years).
- Previous experience within a residential childcare or therapeutic setting.
- Knowledge of therapeutic and psychodynamic approaches.
- First Aid, Fire Safety, and Safeguarding training.
Values We Look For
- Safety - Creating a secure and stable environment where young people can rest and recover.
- Empathy - Understanding behaviour as a communication of need.
- Resilience - Remaining calm, supportive, and consistent during difficult situations.
- Teamwork - Working positively alongside colleagues to achieve the best outcomes.
- Growth - Supporting children and young people to heal, develop, and thrive.
What’s On Offer?
- Competitive rate of £145 per night
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive management and therapeutic team environment
- Opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people and want to be part of a service that prioritises therapeutic care and positive outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.
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