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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; full-time and part-time roles open for application.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 40800 £ 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.
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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 with children or young people, even if it's informal. Whether through volunteering, babysitting, or working in education, these experiences can demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your emotional resilience and ability to work alone during night shifts. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed challenging situations, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wilderness Way and their approach to child care. Being knowledgeable about their values and mission will help you convey your genuine interest in joining their team during the interview process.
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: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience working with children or young people. Emphasise any qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and showcase your skills in calmness, dependability, and emotional resilience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting vulnerable children. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment and handle night-based roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
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 through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to supporting young people.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since the role involves working through the night and supporting vulnerable children, it's crucial to convey your emotional resilience. Be prepared to discuss how you handle stress and maintain a calm demeanour in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Even though you'll often be working alone during the night shifts, teamwork is still essential. Talk about your ability to collaborate with colleagues, especially during handovers, and how you contribute to a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to respond to various situations. Think of examples where you've had to provide reassurance or support to children, and be ready to explain your thought process in those moments.
