Waking Night Residential Childcare Support Worker at Polaris Community, North London

Company: Area Camden

Salary: Up to £31,867.18 per annum (dependent on qualification)

(Qualified Support Worker salary is based on the proven existing completion of a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent)

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Greater London (Covering Area Camden homes in Camden, Haringey & Islington)

Specific Hours: 20:00pm- 8:00am (12 hour shifts)

What we offer:

• Comprehensive induction and mandatory training to support your development and progression
• Fixed rota pattern:
  - Week 1: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun (60 hours)
  - Week 2: Wed, Thu (24 hours)
• Minimum average of 168 hours per month
• 236 hours annual leave per year
• Annual leave increases by 12 hours per year for 3 years (up to 272 hours)
• Pension scheme (after qualifying period)
• Fully funded enrolment onto required qualifications if not already held

About Area Camden

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high‑quality, child‑centred care and ensures safe, consistent night‑time support through well‑trained staff. We prioritise safeguarding and work closely with families and professionals to achieve the best outcomes.

We're now recruiting a Qualified Waking Night Support Worker to help provide a stable, nurturing environment that supports each young person's physical, emotional, and social development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Stay awake and alert throughout the shift to ensure each young person's safety and wellbeing.
• Provide calm, compassionate support during the night, recognising that this can be a difficult time for some children.
• Support individual bedtime routines and any suitable nighttime activities.
• Keep accurate computer‑based records and follow all safeguarding procedures, including the Philomena missing‑from‑care process.
• Communicate effectively with out‑of‑hours services and handle calls professionally.
• Follow all Area Camden policies, procedures and equal‑opportunities standards.
• Act as a positive role model for colleagues and young people.

Essential skills required

• Strong team player with energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Understanding of safeguarding and how to protect children
• Able to follow delegated tasks and produce clear, detailed handovers
• Works in line with Area Camden policies and procedures
• Confident communicator, both verbally and in writing
• Able to engage, listen and respond appropriately to children's needs
• Well‑organised, with the ability to plan and prioritise work
• Willing to work towards the relevant qualification if not already held
• Children's Workforce Diploma (or equivalent) is desirable

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position