Night Support Worker (Sleep-in) – Young People

Night Support Worker (Sleep-in) – Young People

Orchard House – Northampton is looking for a reliable, calm and caring Night Support Worker to support care-experienced young people in our Ofsted-registered supported accommodation.

This is a responsible safeguarding role. We need someone who builds trust, maintains professional boundaries, completes accurate records and responds calmly when a young person needs help.

LOCATION AND FUTURE PLANS

The role is initially based at our 24/7 staffed supported accommodation home in Northampton NN3.

As our service develops, the role is intended to relocate to Barrack House in Northampton NN2, once Children’s Home registration has been granted and the arrangements for the supported accommodation move are in place. This vacancy will remain a supported accommodation sleep-in night role.

Occasional visits to our other Northampton provision may also be required to respond to support needs or incidents. These will be coordinated with on-call management, with appropriate arrangements to maintain safe staffing and support.

HOURS AND ROTA

Shifts are 8pm–8am, following a repeating two-week rota:

• Week 1: two nights on, two nights off, three nights on.
• Week 2: two nights off, two nights on, three nights off.

This means seven shifts per fortnight, averaging 42 hours on site each week, including sleep-in time.

Each shift comprises:

• 8pm–midnight: four active working hours.
• Midnight–7am: seven designated sleep-in hours.
• 7am–8am: one active working hour, including morning duties and handover.

During the sleep-in period, you may sleep but must remain on site and respond when required.
Applicants must be available for weekends and bank holidays when rostered.

PAY AND BENEFITS

• £20,122.50 gross per year, paid in 12 monthly instalments. Any overtime is paid monthly
• The annual salary includes scheduled active duties and standard sleep-in allowances.
• Additional payment applies when required to work during designated sleep-in hours, in accordance with the contract.
• Bank holiday enhancements apply where applicable.
• 20 rostered shifts of paid annual leave per year. Additional paid day off for your Birthday.
• Workplace pension.
• Casual dress and on-site parking.
• Induction, mandatory training, supervision and support from on-call management.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide reassurance and practical support while encouraging young people’s independence.
• Follow individual support plans and risk assessments.
• Monitor agreed return times and whereabouts, contact young people when necessary, and follow missing-from-care procedures.
• Recognise safeguarding concerns, take appropriate action and escalate promptly.
• Respond calmly to incidents, distress and requests for help.
• Complete scheduled health, safety and security checks.
• Keep communal areas clean, tidy and ready for the following day.
• Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports and handovers using Lief Care.
• Handle relevant telephone calls, emails and administrative tasks professionally.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, on-call management and other professionals.

LONE WORKING AND DRIVING

This is a lone-working night role, with an on-call manager available for advice and support. You must be confident making appropriate decisions, following procedures and recognising when to seek help.

A current full UK driving licence and willingness to drive the company vehicle are essential. Driving may be required in urgent safeguarding situations or to respond to support needs at another Northampton provision.

Any travel during a shift must be agreed and coordinated with management so that young people at the home continue to receive appropriate support. Driving licence checks form part of recruitment.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

Essential:

• Reliability, punctuality and commitment to the agreed rota.
• A calm, compassionate approach with clear professional boundaries.
• Confidence working independently and responding appropriately under pressure.
• The ability to communicate sensitively with young people who may have experienced trauma.
• Good written communication and accurate record-keeping.
• Confidence using email, digital recording systems and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training, attend supervision and follow safeguarding procedures.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake work-related driving.
• Ability to travel reliably to our NN3 and NN2 locations.
• The right to undertake this role in the UK without sponsorship from Orchard House.

Previous paid experience providing direct care or support in a relevant service is essential. You must be able to demonstrate professional boundaries, accurate recording and an understanding of safeguarding. Experience supporting care-experienced young people and working alone overnight is particularly valuable.

We also welcome applicants who can demonstrate transferable skills, sound judgement and the right values.

SPONSORSHIP
We cannot provide visa sponsorship or take over sponsorship from another employer.

SAFEGUARDING AND SAFER RECRUITMENT
Orchard House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work verification, driving licence checks and our wider safer recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply through JOIN with your CV and complete the screening questions.

As part of the recruitment process, you will also be required to complete Orchard House’s application form, including your employment history and explanations of any gaps.