Children's Residential Practitioner (Waking Night)
Posted 7th May, 2026
About The Role
This is a waking night role within Southwark Council's first in-house children's home, providing direct overnight support to children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs, including those who may require same-day or emergency placements.
The home is built on the belief that children should grow up within the borough they are connected to, close to family and the people who matter to them. As a Residential Practitioner (Waking Night), you will work as part of a team delivering person-centred, nurturing care overnight, contributing to a service that is evidence-based and outcome-focused for both the children and their families. The role reports to the Residential Team Leader and sits within the Children and Families Resources division.
Waking night shifts run from 21:45 to 07:45, covering a 10-hour shift. This post is contracted at 10 hours per week, equivalent to one shift per week. The rota covers weekdays, weekends, bank holidays, and religious festival days. There may be opportunities to take on additional hours to cover annual leave or staff training. In addition to overnight shifts, the role requires attendance at supervision, team meetings, and training held during the working day. Working patterns and hours may be subject to change based on the operational needs of the service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering person-centred care in line with individual support plans, ensuring each child's needs are met with dignity and respect
- Carrying out domestic duties including cleaning, meal preparation, and general home management
- Administering, recording, and safely storing medication in accordance with policy
- Maintaining and updating records, children's relevant plans, and providing clear handovers to colleagues and managers
- Undertaking outreach work as required, such as attending hospital, police station, or community settings
To discuss the role informally, contact Ann Simpson, Registered Manager, at ann.simpson@southwark.gov.uk. Click Apply Now to discover more about this opportunity and to submit your application before 11:59pm on Monday 4 May 2026.
About You
Southwark is looking for candidates who bring relevant experience of working with children and young people alongside a genuine commitment to their wellbeing and rights. This is a role that requires resilience, collaborative working, and the ability to provide a consistently safe and nurturing environment overnight.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a Level 3 Residential Childcare qualification or equivalent, or be willing to commit to completing the Level 3 within 24 months of appointment in accordance with statutory requirements
- Have significant experience of working with children and young people in a residential setting
- Have experience supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and a working knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practice
- Demonstrate knowledge of child development and relevant legislation and statutory guidance relating to children's homes
- Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing, verbally, and through reports, with strong record-keeping skills
- Have the ability to work as part of a team, organise and prioritise workload, and respond to changing priorities
- Understand the principles of person-centred working and how to apply them in a residential setting, including acting as a key worker and advocating on behalf of residents
Southwark Council is committed to making the borough just and fair and takes positive action to tackle inequalities. Applications are particularly welcomed from members of the Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. Southwark offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates who meet the minimum requirements and identify as a member of the Armed Forces or as a veteran, are currently or have previously been in care, or consider themselves to be disabled or living with a long-term health condition.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Adults' and Children's Barred List level. A probationary period of 26 weeks applies from the start date of employment.
Southwark Council's Offer to You
Southwark's new children's home represents an ambitious step in keeping children within their own borough, connected to the people and communities that matter to them. Joining at this stage means being part of building something from the ground up, within a service that is committed to excellence and to delivering high-quality, personalised care.
Staff are supported through a comprehensive welcome package including induction, training, supervision, and ongoing support. Southwark's commitment to its workforce is reflected in the council-wide Southwark Stands Together programme, which focuses on tackling racism, injustice, and inequality across both communities and the organisation.
Benefits include:
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible and family-friendly working policies, including home working options
- A motivated, supportive team that values its members
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training and development
- And more, available to view on the Southwark Staff Benefits page
