Waking Nights - Children's Residential Support Worker

Wokingham Borough Council; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave 27 days pro-rata

Employee Assistance Programme

Free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice car and cycle schemes

Local & lifestyle discounts

Move through menopause course

Sports & social group activities

And much more!

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is recruiting for a Children’s Residential Support Worker for waking nights in our brand-new residential home. The role is part-time (22 hours per week) with an evenings pattern, offering a permanent contract and DBS enhanced clearance.

You will help ensure welfare and safety, providing high-quality support to improve outcomes for children and young people. We welcome candidates with a background in children or young people, or transferable skills to make a positive

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to engage with children and young people who may have complex needs.
• 2 years’ experience in social care is desirable.
• Ability to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Take on the role of a corporate parent, providing children and young people with love and direction.
• Connect with children and young people who have had complex early lives.
• Act quickly when welfare or safety is at risk and provide high-quality support to promote best outcomes.
• Be flexible and support the smooth running of the home.
• Support children to feel safe at night and settle into the home.

Skills

Empathy with children

Teamwork

Communication

Education

QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Waking Nights - Children's Residential Support Worker

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £29,542 - £32,047 pro-rata per annum (plus benefits)
Location: Residential Children's Homes
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Evenings/Part Time
Hours: 22 hours per week. Shift pattern rota.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 01/11/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 712874, 712875, 712876

Children’s Residential Support Worker – Waking Nights

Wokingham Borough Council has a range of fantastic opportunities for established, or aspiring Children’s Residential Support Worker’s to join our brand-new residential children’s home.

As a Children’s Residential Support Worker, you will be a crucial part of the team providing a professional, child-centered service in accordance with the relevant regulations, legislation, and policy and procedures.

You will take on the role of a corporate parent, ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people, and provide high-quality support to ensure the best outcomes.

We have a number or roles available, so we are interested in hearing from candidates who are experienced support workers with a children or young people background, as well as those who have the transferable skills and drive to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

We can provide ongoing support and training, as well as the option to complete your QCF Level 3 once your probationary term is successfully completed.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

Generous Annual Leaveentitlement of 27 days per annum (pro-rata, rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7Your CareHelpline

Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

Salary Sacrifice Schemes- IncludingCar andCycleto Work Schemes

Local & Lifestyle Discounts- Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket &more

And much more!

Key Responsibilities

• To take on the role of a corporate parent, providing our children and young people with love and direction.
• The ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives.
• To take immediate action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk.
• Delivery of high-quality support and guidance in order to promote the best outcomes possible for children in placement.
• To be flexible and willing to support the smooth running of the home.
• To be able to support children and young people to feel safe in their home and support their settling during the night.
• To take pride in the environment that the children and young people live and support the home in always looking its best.

Candidate Requirements

• Professional qualification in (recognised and current) QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, or equivalent. Or willingness to work towards this within the statutory timescales.
• The ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs.
• 2 years’ experience in Social Care is desirable.
• Ability to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.

Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC. Will take place in person, in Wokingham's main offices

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

AI in Applications:

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.