The unpopular shift in supported housing? Sure. But the quiet heroes that social care so importantly relies on? Certainly. So what is a waking night support worker? They are professionals who provide support to vulnerable people during the night hours.
In this post, we’ll cover the ins and outs of what exactly they do. What training and skills they’d need. The general challenges & rewards of the job. And then the critical importance of the work that they do in 2023.
What is a waking night support worker?
When most of the world is fast asleep—that’s when night support workers come in. They are the night owls awake to provide care, support, and a feeling of security to residents throughout the night.
Some common places that need them includes:
— Housing associations
— Homelessness shelters
— Youth hostels
— Specialist charities
What does a waking night support worker do?
The nuances of it? It does vary depending on the clients they care for and the setting of the work. But generally: night support workers will be in charge of everything from being there for emotional support to reporting incidents that occur in the night hours.
Their night-to-night responsibilities can include:
— Ensuring the safety of residents & the property
— Maintaining the wellbeing of residents
— Providing emotional support when needed
— Responding to & recording any events of crises
What does it take to be one?
When it comes to this job, the “soft skills” become some of the most important. Residents need compassion, reliability, and a friendly face. The ideal is someone who genuinely cares to help others. Who seeks the best in them. And becomes their helping hand without any judgement.
While a diploma or degree isn’t required, specific training will very likely be needed. This could include:
— Emergency First Aid
— GDPR
— Fire Safety
— Equality and Diversity
— Specialist support training
What are the challenges & rewards of the job?
The obvious stress of being a waking night support worker is the effect of working long, night hours. Normal daytime schedules? They’ll be disrupted. Usual social life? It would take a toll. And there’s a potential for burnout from the emotional demands of the word.
But having said all of that—its rewards can be immeasurable. The opportunity to make an impactful difference to so many lives. The close relationships built with residents and their families. The satisfaction of taking on a challenge & seeing the appreciation of others. It’s all meaningful work and can be an experience to treasure.
What is the importance of night support?
Calling them the “quiet heroes” of social care is a title very much deserved. They are the ones doing the vital care at times when security is needed most. They are the ones working tirelessly through night hours to bring comfort & support to the vulnerable.
And without them? A service provider, a homeless shelter, or a charity providing housing simply wouldn’t be able to operate.
Whether you’re looking to make night support for your new career—or find highly competent staff to take care of the shifts for you—get in touch with our team at AGS Support to find out more.