Job Description

Location:

Reading

Contract Type:

Full-Time, Permanent

Hours:

40 hours per week

Shift Pattern:

21:30 - 07:30 (rota-based, including weekdays and weekends)

Make a Real Impact - One Night at a Time

Do you have the emotional strength and calm presence to support vulnerable children overnight? If you're someone who offers empathy, consistency, and reassurance during challenging moments, this could be the role for you.

Cornerstone Children's Homes

is looking for a dedicated

Waking Nights Care Worker

to join our supportive team in Reading. You will play a crucial role in providing a safe, stable, and therapeutic overnight environment for children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs.

About the Role

As a Waking Nights Care Worker, you will be a steady and positive presence throughout the night, ensuring that routines are maintained, emotional needs are met, and any incidents are handled professionally and compassionately. Working closely with daytime colleagues, you'll help deliver seamless, high-quality care 24/7.

Key Responsibilities

Provide consistent emotional and practical support overnight Build trusting, respectful relationships with children and young people Follow and contribute to personalised care plans and bedtime routines Monitor wellbeing and respond calmly and therapeutically to incidents Maintain detailed logs and comprehensive handover notes Support cleanliness, organisation, and upkeep of the home environment Model positive behaviours, language, and healthy relationships
Who We're Looking For

We welcome both experienced residential childcare professionals and those seeking a meaningful new career path. Emotional resilience, warmth, and dependability are essential.

Essential:

Willingness to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already qualified) Emotional resilience and ability to manage challenging behaviours constructively Confidence working independently overnight while contributing to a team Strong verbal and written communication skills Flexible, proactive, and team-oriented attitude Must be aged 23 or over (as required for solo night shifts by Ofsted)

Desirable:

Previous experience in residential or therapeutic childcare Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification in children's social care
What We Offer

Private healthcare plan plus lifestyle benefits including cinema tickets Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and mental health support Refer-a-Friend scheme for all staff, qualified or unqualified Free meals provided during overnight shifts Company pension scheme Extensive training and full funding for recognised qualifications Enhanced DBS check funded by the organisation
Safeguarding Commitment

Cornerstone Children's Homes is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We expect all team members to uphold the highest safeguarding standards.

Be the Difference - Every Night

This role is more than night work--it's an opportunity to provide safety, stability, and care when children need it most. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference through calm, consistent overnight support, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and become the reassuring presence that helps a young person feel safe, valued, and cared for throughout the night.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 13.50-14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site gym On-site parking Private medical insurance Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: WN - Reading