Waking Night Childrens Residential Support Worker

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.

• 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)

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.

• 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.