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.

Key Responsibilities
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
We are seeking individuals who embody the following values:

• 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. Apply today.