Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker

A wilderness Way; Appleby-in-Westmorland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's support organization located in Appleby-in-Westmorland is seeking a Waking Night Residential Support Worker to care for vulnerable children during overnight shifts. The ideal candidate will provide reassurance, complete household tasks, and support the children's needs. Applicants should have experience with young people and a willingness to obtain necessary qualifications. This role offers flexible hours, competitive pay, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Starting salary from £14/hour

5.6 weeks annual leave

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma

Refer a Friend bonus

Medicash health benefits

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable children in care or education.
• Willingness to work towards Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport required.

Responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent care, checking in on children overnight.
• Complete light household tasks and document accurate logs.
• Support children with any overnight needs.

Skills

Experience with children or young people

Calm, dependable, and emotionally resilient

Confident in lone working

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

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.