Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker

WILDERNESS WAY; England; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Waking Night Residential Support Worker to support vulnerable children through the night. This role involves providing calm, consistent care, reassurance, and overseeing light household tasks. Ideal candidates will have experience with children, the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to pursue it), and the ability to work alone at night. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, contributing to a nurturing environment for children.

Benefits

Base salary from £14/hour

5.6 weeks annual leave

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma

£1,000 ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus

Medicash health benefits

Gym and restaurant discounts

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experience in care, education, or a similar setting.
• Willingness to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Full UK driving licence and reliable transport access.

Responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent care through the night.
• Check in on children and offer reassurance.
• Complete light household tasks and write accurate logs.

Skills

Experience with children or young people

Calm and dependable

Emotionally resilient

Confidence 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 will play a vital role 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 (equivalent to £29,120 for full‑time hours)
• 10‑hour night shifts (typically 10pm‑8am)
• 4‑on‑4 off, rolling shift pattern
• 5.6 weeks annual leave
• Extra leave awarded at 2‑ and 5‑year service milestones
• 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 (2× salary)
• Company pension (auto‑enrolled)

Your Night‑to‑Night

You will provide calm, consistent care through the night: checking in on children, offering reassurance if they wake, and supporting any overnight needs. You will also complete light household tasks, write accurate logs, and help with the morning routine before handover to the day team. You will 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 a similar setting
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it)
• Calm, dependable, and emotionally resilient
• A full UK driving licence and reliable transport access
• Confidence in lone working and night‑based roles
• All roles 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.