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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children overnight, ensuring their safety and comfort.
- Company: Wilderness Way is dedicated to nurturing and supporting children in a residential setting.
- Benefits: Earn from £14/hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks leave, and receive health benefits and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, trauma-informed environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a willingness to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students seeking meaningful work.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 34800 £ per year.
Job Description
Support Children While the World Sleeps – Waking Night Residential Support Worker
As a Waking Night Residential Support Worker at Wilderness Way, you'll play era vital role in supporting vulnerable children through the night – creating a peaceful, nurturing environment where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
Whether you're already experienced or looking to start a new career with purpose, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives
Why Join Us?
- Base salary from £14/hour (from £29,120 for full-time hours)
- 10-hour night shifts (typically 10pm–8am)
- Open to full-time and part-time applicants
- 5.6 weeks annual leave
- Extra leave awarded at 2- and 5-years’ service
- Thorough induction and six-month welcome programme
- Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not yet achieved)
- £1,000 ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus
- Monthly Wilderness Heroes Awards recognising your impact
- Medicash health benefits: optical/dental cashback, 24/7 virtual GP, wellness discounts
- Gym, high street and restaurant discounts
- Life assurance (2x salary)
- Company pension (auto-enrolled)
Your Night-to-Night
You'll provide calm, consistent care through the night, checking in on children, offering reassurance if they wake, and supporting any overnight needs. You’ll also complete light household tasks, write accurate logs, and help with the morning routine before handover to the day team.
You’ll usually be the sole waking staff member on shift, with sleep-in colleagues on site and a supportive, trauma-informed culture around you.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience with children or young people—in care, education, or similar
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it)
- Calm, dependable, and emotionally resilient
- A full UK driving licence and access to transport
- Confident in lone working and night-based roles
All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.
Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker employer: A Wilderness Way
Contact Detail:
A Wilderness Way Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in residential care. Understanding trauma-informed care and how to create a nurturing environment will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people, even if it's informal. Sharing personal stories can demonstrate your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to lone working and how you manage challenges during night shifts. Being able to articulate your strategies for maintaining calm and providing support will impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wilderness Way and their values. Showing that you align with their mission and understand their culture will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Waking Night Residential Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for working with children and your understanding of their needs. Share any relevant experiences, such as previous work in care or education, and explain why you are drawn to this position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, make sure to mention it prominently. If not, express your willingness to work towards it and any other qualifications that demonstrate your capability to support children effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a role that involves caring for vulnerable children.
How to prepare for a job interview at A Wilderness Way
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people, as this role is all about making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since the role involves working through the night and potentially dealing with challenging situations, be prepared to discuss how you handle stress and maintain calmness. Provide examples of past experiences where you've shown emotional strength and dependability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding trauma-informed care is crucial for this position. Research the principles behind it and be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles in your interactions with the children during your interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the organisation. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values, especially regarding the support provided to staff and children.
