Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Waking Night Residential Practitioner

The closing date is 22 February 2026

Job summary

You will contribute to the protection, safeguarding and promotion of education, health and the well-being of children and young people. As a residential night care officer, you will provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for children during the night, you will support with housekeeping tasks, including laundry, cleaning, and admin duties. You will be expected to monitor and discreetly oversee the childrens safety during the night to include the administration of medication as necessary, and lead on the reporting of missing children when necessary. You will collaborate with other staff and liaise with external agencies when necessary. You will have shared responsibility for the safe handling and management of petty cash and procurement procedures.

The post holder will promote, safeguard and protect the welfare of each child and ensure the child is the primary focus. You will promote self-advocacy and ensure you capture the childs voice in all aspects of your work.

The post holder will work as a member of the team ensuring the admission, ongoing care and discharge of children is undertaken in a sensitive and caring manner by being responsible for the welfare of children for the duration of the shift, including the undertaking of such personal and intimate care (in some residential homes) as may be required for any individual child.

Main duties of the job

Work independently as part of a specialist team managing a caseload undertaking assessment of need, negotiate care packages and undertake reviews with consideration for budgetary constraints and in accordance with legislation and council policies.

Carry out the role of key worker for service users, providing assistance and guidance in areas such as restorative practice, signs of safety, personal care, daily living, health, social integration and emotional support.

Ensure implementation of care plans, support plans, risk assessments and monitor the effectiveness of these plans and take any appropriate follow-up action in conjunction with the service user, carers and other professional as appropriate.

Work in partnership with others to ensure a consistent and planned care package is delivered.

Ensure that parents/carers, service users receive appropriate information and are aware of their rights under appropriate legislation so they can make informed decisions.

Encourage choice in daily life and promote self-advocacy and/or advocate on behalf of the service user.

Assist service users to deal with behavioural difficulties or other vulnerabilities.

Produce and maintain up to date accurate records to an appropriate standard as required by policy and good practice by using appropriate IT equipment and other methods

Provide support in a variety of environments i.e. home, community, outreach, residential, school.

About us

This is an excellent time to work within Rotherham. We are passionate about the place and the people who live, work and visit here. We are delivering major regeneration and housing, as well as creating new jobs and opportunities for our residents. Rotherham is a real 'central UK' location with excellent road and rail links and is ideally placed near the scenic countryside of the Peak District, whilst also being conveniently located next to the vibrant city of Sheffield.

Our vision for Rotherham is that we come together as a community, where we seek to draw on our proud history to build a future we can all share. We respect decency, dignity and seek to build a town where opportunity is extended to everyone, where people can grow, flourish and prosper, and where no one is left behind.

We offer an excellent pay and benefits package which includes membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, as well as a range of health and wellbeing and other benefits.

Details

Date posted

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,598 to £31,022 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

F0042-26-0006

Job locations

Riverside House

Main Street

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 1AE


Job description

Job responsibilities

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Directorate: Children and Young People's Services

Location: Liberty House, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Waking Night Residential Practitioner

Salary £28,598 - £31,022 pro rata

Job reference REQ22219

Closing date: 22nd February 2026

Permanent, part time, 18 hours per week (Night Post).

Please note: this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

Are you an experienced, solution-focused practitioner with a systemic approach and a passion for supportingchildren?

Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of children and families within Rotherhams Short Breaks Service, while working in a night-time role?

LibertyHouse provides overnight short breaks for young people aged 5 to 18 years with a registered disability. We also offer an emergency bed service to support young people and their families during times of crisis when additional help is needed.

We are particularly interested in practitioners with experience of working in a short break or residential setting, supporting young people with physical disabilities and/or complex needs.

CHILDRENS RESIDENTIAL NIGHT PRACTITIONERS WILL:

  • Promote, safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people overnight.
  • Provide consistency of care by offering reassurance, comfort and support during the night.
  • Monitor the safety and wellbeing of children, including night-time routines, personal care and administering medication in line with council policy.
  • Maintain clear and accurate night records, handovers and incident reports.
  • Create a safe, calm and nurturing overnight environment where children feel secure.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions between night and day staff.
  • Engage in staff training, attend team meetings and participate in formal supervision.
  • Contribute to the overall running of the home, including domestic tasks and preparing for the following day.

KEY BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH ROTHERHAM COUNCILS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES SERVICE:

  • Strong management support and clear direction.
  • Extensive training programme to develop and professionalise residential practitioners, including the Rotherham Family Approach (Signs of Safety, Restorative Practice and Social Pedagogy).
  • Close partnership working with the Childrens Disability Team.
  • Additional training in areas such as moving and handling, health needs, and behaviour management.
  • The opportunity to make a real difference to children, young people and their families.
  • Ongoing investment in your professional development through training, support and supervision.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme and 29 days annual leave (pro rata), taken in line with weekend allocation guidance outlined in the employer handbook.

ABOUT YOU:

We are looking for inspirational, resilient, and child-focused practitioners who are passionate about:

  • Providing high-quality care and support to children and young people with disabilities and complex needs overnight.
  • Offering calm, consistent and safe support during the night to ensure children feel secure and cared for.
  • Ensuring children and young people enjoy safe, meaningful, and positive experiences within their short breaks.

This role operates on a rota basis, including some weekends. Flexibility and commitment to meeting the needs of the children we support are essential.

At Liberty House, our vision is for the children and families of Rotherham to consistently experience services they proudly describe as outstanding. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in shaping and maintaining a culture of excellence, trust and transparency. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families we support.

To arrange an informal discussion or to find out more about this role, please contact:

Bethany Roper at Bethany.Roper@rotherham.gov.ukTel: 01709 558997 / 07979397405.

Marion Angove at Marion.Angove@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 01709 558997.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found atwww.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit ourwebsite.

Confirmation of this appointment is also subject to a medical assessment.

Please click the following link to view Rotherham Councils Privacy Notice https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/freedom-information-data-protection

Job description

Job responsibilities

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Directorate: Children and Young People's Services

Location: Liberty House, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Waking Night Residential Practitioner

Salary £28,598 - £31,022 pro rata

Job reference REQ22219

Closing date: 22nd February 2026

Permanent, part time, 18 hours per week (Night Post).

Please note: this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

Are you an experienced, solution-focused practitioner with a systemic approach and a passion for supportingchildren?

Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of children and families within Rotherhams Short Breaks Service, while working in a night-time role?

LibertyHouse provides overnight short breaks for young people aged 5 to 18 years with a registered disability. We also offer an emergency bed service to support young people and their families during times of crisis when additional help is needed.

We are particularly interested in practitioners with experience of working in a short break or residential setting, supporting young people with physical disabilities and/or complex needs.

CHILDRENS RESIDENTIAL NIGHT PRACTITIONERS WILL:

  • Promote, safeguard and protect the welfare of children and young people overnight.
  • Provide consistency of care by offering reassurance, comfort and support during the night.
  • Monitor the safety and wellbeing of children, including night-time routines, personal care and administering medication in line with council policy.
  • Maintain clear and accurate night records, handovers and incident reports.
  • Create a safe, calm and nurturing overnight environment where children feel secure.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions between night and day staff.
  • Engage in staff training, attend team meetings and participate in formal supervision.
  • Contribute to the overall running of the home, including domestic tasks and preparing for the following day.

KEY BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH ROTHERHAM COUNCILS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES SERVICE:

  • Strong management support and clear direction.
  • Extensive training programme to develop and professionalise residential practitioners, including the Rotherham Family Approach (Signs of Safety, Restorative Practice and Social Pedagogy).
  • Close partnership working with the Childrens Disability Team.
  • Additional training in areas such as moving and handling, health needs, and behaviour management.
  • The opportunity to make a real difference to children, young people and their families.
  • Ongoing investment in your professional development through training, support and supervision.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme and 29 days annual leave (pro rata), taken in line with weekend allocation guidance outlined in the employer handbook.

ABOUT YOU:

We are looking for inspirational, resilient, and child-focused practitioners who are passionate about:

  • Providing high-quality care and support to children and young people with disabilities and complex needs overnight.
  • Offering calm, consistent and safe support during the night to ensure children feel secure and cared for.
  • Ensuring children and young people enjoy safe, meaningful, and positive experiences within their short breaks.

This role operates on a rota basis, including some weekends. Flexibility and commitment to meeting the needs of the children we support are essential.

At Liberty House, our vision is for the children and families of Rotherham to consistently experience services they proudly describe as outstanding. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in shaping and maintaining a culture of excellence, trust and transparency. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families we support.

To arrange an informal discussion or to find out more about this role, please contact:

Bethany Roper at Bethany.Roper@rotherham.gov.ukTel: 01709 558997 / 07979397405.

Marion Angove at Marion.Angove@rotherham.gov.uk Tel: 01709 558997.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found atwww.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit ourwebsite.

Confirmation of this appointment is also subject to a medical assessment.

Please click the following link to view Rotherham Councils Privacy Notice https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/freedom-information-data-protection

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NQF Level 3 qualification e.g. AS and A levels, NVQs Level 3, Applied A Levels, BTEC FirstCertificates and Diplomas, City and Guilds Advanced Craft Part 3, or NQF Level 4 Certificates of Higher Education
  • Or
  • Evidence of the equivalent level of knowledge gained through work experience

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with children and young people, ideally in a residential setting.
  • Experience of working directly with children and families in a multi-agency setting and knowledge of the roles of other agencies and professionals
  • Knowledge of child development and the impact of early childhood trauma
  • Understanding and reviewing individual programmes of care and risk assessments for children and young people.
  • Ability to record accurate information and data in line with statutory requirements and GDPR.
  • Knowledge of The Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and Safeguarding frameworks
  • Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a calm and professional manner.
  • Understanding of advocacy and a commitment to upholding childrens rights
  • Using a range of computer applications and ICT including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, internet and e-mail
  • Hold a full UK driving licence
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NQF Level 3 qualification e.g. AS and A levels, NVQs Level 3, Applied A Levels, BTEC FirstCertificates and Diplomas, City and Guilds Advanced Craft Part 3, or NQF Level 4 Certificates of Higher Education
  • Or
  • Evidence of the equivalent level of knowledge gained through work experience

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with children and young people, ideally in a residential setting.
  • Experience of working directly with children and families in a multi-agency setting and knowledge of the roles of other agencies and professionals
  • Knowledge of child development and the impact of early childhood trauma
  • Understanding and reviewing individual programmes of care and risk assessments for children and young people.
  • Ability to record accurate information and data in line with statutory requirements and GDPR.
  • Knowledge of The Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and Safeguarding frameworks
  • Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a calm and professional manner.
  • Understanding of advocacy and a commitment to upholding childrens rights
  • Using a range of computer applications and ICT including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, internet and e-mail
  • Hold a full UK driving licence

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Address

Riverside House

Main Street

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 1AE


Employer's website

https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Address

Riverside House

Main Street

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 1AE


Employer's website

https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Manager

Beth Roper

bethany.roper@rotherham.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,598 to £31,022 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

F0042-26-0006

Job locations

Riverside House

Main Street

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 1AE


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)