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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children overnight, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
- Company: Wilderness Way is dedicated to making a positive impact in children's lives.
- Benefits: Earn from £14/hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks annual leave, and receive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive, trauma-informed culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a willingness to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; full-time and part-time roles open.
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 a 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 Nights 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 Nights 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 help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have with children or young people, whether in care, education, or other settings. Be prepared to discuss specific situations where you provided support or made a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your emotional resilience and ability to work independently during the interview. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations calmly and effectively, especially in night-based roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wilderness Way and their approach to child care. Being knowledgeable about their values and mission will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Waking Nights 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 how your skills and experiences align with these needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working with children or young people, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable individuals in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your calmness, dependability, and emotional resilience in your application. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you handle challenging situations, especially in a night-based role.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting children and your understanding of the role. Mention why you want to work at Wilderness Way specifically and how you can contribute to their mission.
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 you have, whether through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to supporting young people.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since the role involves working nights 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 successfully managed difficult circumstances.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Even though you'll often be working alone during the night shifts, it's important to show that you can collaborate effectively with others. Talk about your ability to communicate and work with daytime staff and how you contribute to a supportive team environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand the job better. Ask about the support systems in place for staff, the training provided, or how the organisation fosters a nurturing environment for both children and employees.
