Night-Time Child Care Officer – Residential Special School
Location: Chelmsford | Pay: Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975) | Full-Time | Term Time Only + 5 CPD Days | Start: September 2024
Parker Smith Inclusion are working in partnership with a residential special school in Chelmsford, which supports primary and secondary-aged pupils with complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The school is currently seeking a compassionate and reliable Night-Time Child Care Officer to join its dedicated residential care team from September 2024.
This is a full-time, term-time only position (plus 5 CPD days), working overnight shifts from 8.00pm to 7.30am, Monday to Friday.
About the Role:
As a Night-Time Child Care Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils’ safety, wellbeing, and emotional regulation during the night. Working in a calm and structured environment, your duties will include:
-
Settling pupils and supporting them with bedtime routines
-
Monitoring pupils overnight to ensure their safety, comfort and emotional support
-
Assisting with morning routines and preparing pupils for the school day
-
Maintaining cleanliness and order in residential areas, and responding to emergencies as required
-
Acting as a keyworker for a small group of pupils, providing guidance, support, and continuity of care
-
Administering prescribed medication (with training)
-
Escorting pupils to urgent appointments when needed
-
Recording observations and maintaining accurate reports on pupil wellbeing
The Ideal Candidate Will:
-
Have previous experience supporting or caring for children, particularly those with SEND or behavioural needs
-
Remain calm, empathetic and level-headed, especially during overnight hours and in challenging situations
-
Demonstrate strong boundaries, good judgement, and a trauma-informed approach to behaviour management
-
Be physically and emotionally resilient, and willing to undertake training in behaviour and physical intervention
-
Possess excellent communication skills with families and other professionals
-
Be a team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to personal development
Requirements:
-
An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)
-
Comfortable with providing personal care and responding to emergency situations
-
Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and equality
-
A full, clean UK driving licence with business use (desirable)
-
A good sense of humour and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
What’s on Offer:
-
Full-time, term-time only contract plus 5 additional CPD days
-
Night shift hours: 8.00pm – 7.30am, Monday to Friday
-
Pay in line with Scale 5 (£26,698 – £27,975 per annum), dependent on experience
-
Excellent support and training opportunities from the school and Parker Smith Inclusion
-
A meaningful and fulfilling role within a professional, values-driven team
Interested in making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people in an overnight care setting?
Apply now or contact Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more about this unique opportunity in Chelmsford.