At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children through the night, ensuring their safety and comfort.
- Company: Wilderness Way is dedicated to creating nurturing environments for children in care.
- Benefits: Earn from £14/hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks annual leave, and receive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, trauma-informed culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people; Level 3 Diploma preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; full training provided, including a funded Level 3 Diploma.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 29120 £ per year.
Support Children While the World Sleeps – Waking Night Residential Support Worker
As a Waking Night Residential Support Worker at Wilderness Way, you\’ll play a vital role working over a cluster of our homes, supporting vulnerable children through the night – creating a peaceful, nurturing environment where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
Why Join Us?
- Base salary from £14/hour (from £29,120 for full-time hours)
- 10-hour night shifts (typically 10pm-8am)
- 4-on-4 off set rolling shift pattern
- 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 Ltd
Contact Detail:
A Wilderness Way Ltd 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 with children or young people, even if it's informal. Sharing personal stories or examples can demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role.
✨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 be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment to professional development by expressing your willingness to pursue the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. This demonstrates your dedication to improving your skills and knowledge in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Waking Night Residential Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in childcare or support roles in your CV. Emphasise skills such as emotional resilience, calmness, and any qualifications like the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and your understanding of their needs during the night. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at A Wilderness Way Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children. Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since the role involves working through the night and supporting children who may be experiencing difficulties, it's crucial to convey your emotional resilience. Prepare examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past and how you maintain a calm and supportive environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding trauma-informed care is essential 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 about the role and the organisation. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Inquire about their approach to staff support and training, especially regarding the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.