Support Children While the World Sleeps – Waking Night Residential Support Worker
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
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