Location: Chelmsford
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)
Shift Pattern: Monday–Thursday, 9:45pm – 8:30am (Term time only)
Salary: £26,095 – £27,860
Parker Smith Inclusion is delighted to be working with a well-established residential special school in Essex that provides a safe, nurturing and structured environment for children and young people with additional needs. The residential provision plays a vital role in pupils’ social, emotional and physical wellbeing, offering a calm and secure overnight setting that complements their learning and development during the day.
We are seeking a Residential Night Awake Childcare Officer to join the residential team. This is a rewarding and responsible role focused on ensuring the safety, wellbeing and comfort of children throughout the night.
The Role
As a Residential Night Awake Childcare Officer, you will work under the direction of the Head of Residential Care and take responsibility for the overnight supervision and support of pupils within the residential setting. Your duties will include:
- Monitoring pupils throughout the night, completing regular checks and responding to any needs or incidents
- Ensuring pupils’ health, welfare and comfort, including offering basic medical supervision and escalating concerns to relevant staff
- Providing support to children who require assistance during the night, including personal care
- Following emergency procedures when required, such as fire drills or contacting emergency services
- Maintaining a clear and detailed nightly log, recording any disturbances, medical concerns or incidents
- Completing a thorough handover to morning staff to ensure continuity of care
- Ensuring the safety and security of pupils, staff and the building throughout the night
- Remaining awake, alert and vigilant at all times, carrying out additional duties as directed
- Attending training, supervision sessions and staff meetings, and completing a Level 3 qualification within three months of starting (if required)
- Supporting the upkeep of the residential environment and reporting maintenance needs
- Adhering to all safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality procedures at all times
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a residential or SEND setting
- A relevant qualification such as NVQ Level 3 in Care (or equivalent), or a willingness to undertake training shortly after starting
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, including the Children Act, child protection procedures and National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools
- A good understanding of health and safety and emergency procedures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to keep accurate records
- The ability to remain calm, focused and responsive throughout the night
- A patient, nurturing and professional approach to supporting children’s physical and emotional needs
- A full driving licence is desirable, and willingness to undertake minibus training would be an advantage
Why Work With Us
Parker Smith Inclusion works in close partnership with schools, academies and trusts across the region. We support both our candidates and the schools we work with, ensuring the right people join the right settings.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone resilient, reliable and passionate about supporting young people to take on an essential safeguarding and care role within a residential special school.
If you are committed to making a difference and are looking for a rewarding night-time position, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to find out more about this opportunity.