Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 £14/hour, enjoy 5.6 weeks annual leave, and access 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 Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare are preferred.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; full-time and part-time roles open for application.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 29120 £ per year.
Support Children While the World Sleeps – Waking Night Residential Support Worker
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker employer: WILDERNESS WAY
Contact Detail:
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 or examples can demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your emotional resilience and ability to work alone during night shifts. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed stress or supported others in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wilderness Way and their approach to child care. Being knowledgeable about their values and mission will show your genuine interest and commitment to their cause during the application process.
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.
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 children in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your calmness, dependability, and emotional resilience in your application. Use anecdotes to illustrate how you've handled stressful situations or provided support to those in need.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting vulnerable children. Mention why you want to work at Wilderness Way specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a nurturing environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at 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 it's through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.
✨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 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
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the position and the organisation. This shows your interest and helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you. Ask about the support systems in place for staff and how they promote a trauma-informed culture.