Full job description 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.