Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker

WILDERNESS WAY; Penrith; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare support organization in Penrith is looking for a Waking Night Residential Support Worker to provide care for vulnerable children through the night. The role includes ensuring a safe environment, supporting children's needs, and documenting care activities. You should have experience with young people, ideally hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and be confident in night-based roles. Competitive hourly pay and various benefits offered.

Benefits

Base salary from £14/hour

5.6 weeks annual leave

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

£1,000 ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus

Medicash health benefits

Gym, high street and restaurant discounts

Life assurance

Company pension

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent care through the night.
• Support children with reassurance and any overnight needs.
• Complete light household tasks and write accurate logs.

Skills

Experience with children or young people

Calm

Dependable

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 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.