Night Residential Worker, Colchester

Night Support Residential Worker

Permanent, Full Time

£33,013 to £41,770 per annum (including allowance)

Location: Colchester

Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026 m

Interview Dates: W/C the 9th of March 2026.

Are you interested in working with children and young people to make a difference in their lives? If so, then this could be the right opportunity for you.

It is an exciting time to join Essex County Council as we invest in and expand our residential provision. New Farm Road is a newly refurbished short-term home for up to five 12-17 year olds, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child you will support them to develop the skills and resilience to return to their families, or onto longer-term care.

Being a Night Support Residential Worker requires a special kind of person. Your main focus will be on providing nurturing therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, supporting and caring for them as a parent would, and each shift brings unique experiences, filled with both highs and lows.

Previous experience of working in a children's home, would be beneficial however there are many skills that you might have that would make you suitable for the role. It is important to be open minded and have a flexible and adaptable attitude and be able to manage challenges with a calm and patient demeanour. You will have an ability/willingness to understand and manage challenging behaviour including aggression and violence using a range of de-escalation techniques.

You will also need to have effective written and verbal communication.

If you don't already have a Level 3 Diploma you will need to complete this within 2 years of successful completion of probation period and you will be supported with this. We will provide you with all the training you need for the role along with good quality, regular supervision. This, together with the right attitude and access to a full in-house induction, will enable you to start your career with Essex County Council with confidence.

You will work an average 37 hours a week with shift times being 9.15pm to 7.15am and you will have every other weekend off.

The salary quoted is made up of a basic salary of £25,395 to £32,131 Per Annum and a guaranteed additional allowance of 30% (£7,618.50 to £9,639.30 Per Annum), paid monthly, alongside your basis salary.

If shortlisted, you will have an interview to explore the detail you provide in your application and give you an opportunity to discuss the role and ask any questions.

Due to nature of this role any applicants need to be at least 21 years old in order to undertake this post.