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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children through the night, 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 for applications.
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 show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have with children or young people, whether in care, education, or other settings. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your emotional resilience and ability to work independently during the interview. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past, especially during night shifts.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to express your willingness to pursue the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if you haven't already. This shows your dedication to professional development and improving your skills in the field.
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 carefully 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.
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 anecdotes to illustrate how you've handled challenging situations, especially in night-based or lone working roles.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting children and your understanding of the importance of a nurturing environment. 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 Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting vulnerable children. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience working with children or young people, be ready to discuss specific situations where you made a positive impact. This could include roles in care, education, or even volunteer work that showcases your skills and dedication.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since the role involves working nights and potentially challenging situations, be prepared to talk about how you handle stress and maintain calmness. Share examples of how you've coped in high-pressure environments or supported others during difficult times.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to child care and support. This shows your interest in their methods and helps you understand if their values align with yours, making it a two-way conversation.
