Waking Nights Childrens Residential Support Worker

A wilderness Way; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's support organization is seeking a Waking Night Residential Support Worker to provide support for vulnerable children during nighttime hours. The role involves creating a safe and nurturing environment, checking in on children, and assisting with their overnight needs. Ideal candidates should have experience with children and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or be willing to work towards it. This position offers both full-time and part-time options, with competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Base salary from £14/hour

10-hour night shifts

5.6 weeks annual leave

Thorough induction and welcome programme

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

£1,000 ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus

Medicash health benefits

Life assurance (2x salary)

Company pension (auto-enrolled)

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people in various settings.
• Willingness to work towards Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• Ability to provide calm and consistent care.

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—in care, education, or similar

Calm, dependable, and emotionally resilient

Confident in lone working and night-based roles

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Overview

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.