Child & Youth Support Worker (Waking Nights)

Children's Support Worker

Location: County Durham

£17.50–£24.00 per hour PAYE (including holiday pay)
£20.00–£28.00 per hour Umbrella

Make a Difference. Help Young People Build a Brighter Future.

Looking for rewarding work where you can make a real difference every day?

At Paragon Social Care, we believe that the right support, encouragement and consistency can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

We're looking for caring, dependable and enthusiastic Children's Support Workers to join our team across County Durham, supporting children and young people in local authority care.

Whether you have previous experience in children's residential care, support work, education or youth services, or you're looking to take your first steps into a rewarding career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're someone who is patient, understanding, reliable and genuinely wants to help young people reach their potential, this could be the opportunity for you.

About the Role

As a Children's Support Worker, you'll provide practical and emotional support to children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs, working within residential homes and community-based support packages.

Every young person is different, and your role will be to provide the encouragement, stability and positive guidance they need to feel safe, develop confidence and build greater independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing safe, consistent and trauma-informed care.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Supporting daily routines, education and independent living skills.
• Encouraging hobbies, activities, healthy routines and community involvement.
• Helping young people develop confidence, independence and positive life choices.
• Transporting young people to school, appointments and activities.
• Working alongside social workers, families and other professionals.
• Maintaining accurate records and following safeguarding procedures.

What We're Looking For

You don't need to have all the answers, but you do need to have the right attitude and approach.

We're looking for people who are:

• Caring, patient and understanding.
• Reliable, responsible and committed.
• Calm and confident when dealing with challenging situations.
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain positive under pressure.
• Good communicators who can build positive relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable to the needs of young people.
• Equally comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Genuinely passionate about helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must have:

• A full UK driving licence.
• Access to your own vehicle for work.
• Availability to work a minimum of 2–3 shifts per week.
• Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Previous paid or voluntary experience supporting children or young people.
• NVQ Level 3 in Children's Residential Care or an equivalent qualification.

Experience is desirable, but we're also interested in hearing from people who have the right personal qualities, values and commitment to make a positive difference.

What You'll Receive

We recognise the important work our support staff do, and we want you to feel valued and supported.

When you join Paragon Social Care, you'll receive:

• Competitive hourly rates:
• £17.50–£24.00 per hour PAYE (including holiday pay).
• £20.00–£28.00 per hour Umbrella.
• Flexible shift opportunities to fit around your lifestyle.
• Ongoing specialist training and development.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Support from an experienced and supportive management team.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work and make a genuine difference every shift.

Why Join Paragon Social Care?

We understand that working with children and young people can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

At Paragon Social Care, we value the people who make a difference on the front line. We want our staff to feel supported, appreciated and confident in the work they do.

We invest in training, encourage development and recognise the importance of having the right people supporting children and young people through difficult times and important stages of their lives.

If you're looking for flexible work, competitive rates of pay and a role where what you do genuinely matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply today to join Paragon Social Care and help children and young people across County Durham build brighter futures.

Safeguarding Statement

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.

Paragon Social Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.