Children's Residential Waking Night Support Worker

About Fair Ways

Fair Ways is a charitable children’s services provider in the Solent region, offering fostering, education, residential and family support. Each year, the organisation works with more than 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults. The culture is collaborative and people-focused, with staff placed at the heart of the mission to improve outcomes for the people in its care.

Role overview

The organisation is hiring Waking Night Support Workers for residential children’s homes across the South Coast. These homes aim to provide children with a stable, caring and structured environment where clear expectations and consistent support help them build confidence, independence and the foundations for a long-term foster care journey. The work is rooted in a therapeutic approach and in forming safe, trusting and supportive relationships that help children recover from adversity and developmental trauma.

What you will do

In this role, you will support children and young people overnight while helping the home run smoothly and safely. The job involves relationship-building, safeguarding, detailed record keeping, household support and responding appropriately to challenging or crisis situations.

Working pattern

This role includes lone working, with cover from another staff member who is on a sleep-in. The usual shift is 10 hours per night, generally from 22:00 to 8:00, on a 4-on/4-off rotating rota that includes weekends. When team meetings and training are included, the average working week works out at 37.5 hours per week, which aligns with the stated salary.

Requirements and conditions

Applicants must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car. An enhanced DBS check is required, and Fair Ways will cover the cost. The employer cannot offer visa sponsorship, so candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable background

Previous experience supporting children or young people is helpful, and candidates who hold or are willing to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care, or an equivalent qualification, will be especially well suited. However, the organisation also values applicants from different backgrounds who strongly align with its values and are willing to learn through its in-house training and development support.

Benefits

Team members can access a range of rewards and wellbeing support, including staff lotteries with prizes such as £1,000 holiday vouchers, weekend breaks, luxury hampers and a £1,000 fostering referral scheme. The package also includes a holiday accrual scheme, one additional wellbeing day each year, and the option to buy up to 5 extra days of leave.

Health and support benefits include Simply Health, an Employee Assistance Scheme with emergency financial help and 24/7 counselling, and Early Pay, which allows part of salary to be accessed early each month. Career development is supported through an Education Grant that can fund study up to master’s level, plus leadership courses.

Additional perks include team-building days, summer festivals, wellbeing initiatives, discounted gym membership, a cycle-to-work scheme, annual Staff Awards, Long Service Awards, pension access and Blue Light Card eligibility. Benefits can vary depending on contract type.

Additional information

Fair Ways describes itself as an inclusive employer that values diversity and encourages people from all communities to contribute to its culture. The organisation invites candidates who are motivated by making a positive difference to apply.

Terms and conditions

All applicants must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.