Waking Night Residential Practitioner Children's Home

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Southampton City Council is seeking committed and compassionate residential waking night practitioners, to provide outstanding care and support at our new specialist children's home. We offer residential placements for up to 28 days where children can receive an assessment of their mental health/therapeutic needs, to inform on‑going placement options with a view to avoiding the use of in‑patient, secure and residential placements. About the Role As a Residential waking night Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive. You will work as part of a dedicated team to empower young people to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. What you’ll do Monitoring and safeguarding: Staying awake and alert to respond to any incidents, emergencies, or needs during the night. Providing reassurance: Offering comfort and emotional support to children who may struggle with sleep, anxiety, or trauma. Maintaining records: Documenting observations, incidents, and interactions to support continuity of care. Monitoring Mental Health and Behaviour: Observing changes in mood, behaviour, and overall mental state, and reporting concerns to the appropriate professionals. Supporting routines: Assisting with homely routines, preparing the home for the next day, and ensuring a calm, secure environment. Building Trusting Relationships: Establishing positive, professional relationships with staff to encourage trust and cooperation, which is crucial for progress. Providing a Safe Environment: Ensuring the setting is physically and emotionally safe, respecting boundaries, and managing risks effectively. Crisis Intervention: Recognising signs of crisis (e.g., self‑harm or suicidal ideation) and responding appropriately, often following established safeguarding procedures. This role requires empathy, vigilance, and a strong understanding of safeguarding and child development. What We’re Looking For Experience: Previous experience in residential care, childcare, or working with young or vulnerable people. A proven background of working nights and/or unsociable hours is desirable but not essential. Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or a willingness to work towards this qualification). Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving abilities. You can remain calm in difficult situations. You are confident in lone working. Attributes: Compassionate, resilient, and committed to the wellbeing of children and young people. Flexibility: Ridgeway House operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Working patterns will include weekday, weekend, and bank holiday shifts. Time off in lieu applies where applicable. DBS: All staff are required to have an Enhanced DBS. Being on the DBS update service is desirable. What we can offer you Pay enhancement will be applicable Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution) Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service Flexible working options (role‑dependent) Family‑friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption, shared/unpaid parental leave, time off for dependents Training and development, including coaching and mentoring Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer For further information on our benefits package please visit Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk) Southampton City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references. Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Southampton Contact details for informal discussion For further information and details regarding the position, please contact Chris Edwards at chris.edwards@southampton.gov.uk Recruitment contact details Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033 For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news. Facebook YouTube #J-18808-Ljbffr