Waking Nights - Children's Residential Support Worker
Posted 13th May, 2026
About the role
As a Children's Residential Support Worker, you will be a crucial part of the team providing a professional, child-centred 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 in Wokingham Borough Council's brand-new residential children's home.
This is an excellent opportunity for established or aspiring Children's Residential Support Workers to provide high-quality support to ensure the best outcomes for children in placement. We have a range of fantastic opportunities available and 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.
This role operates on a 22-hour per week shift pattern rota covering evenings and waking nights. You will need to be able to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities include:
- Taking on the role of a corporate parent, providing children and young people with love and direction
- Connecting with and building meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives
- Taking immediate action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk
- Supporting children and young people to feel safe in their home and supporting their settling during the night
- Taking pride in the environment that the children and young people live in and supporting the home in always looking its best
Click the link provided to Apply Today! Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Vykie Wallace, Children's Homes Residential Manager at Victoria.Wallace@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).
About You
We are looking for candidates who have the ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs. You should be flexible and willing to support the smooth running of the home, with the dedication to deliver high-quality support and guidance in order to promote the best outcomes possible for children in placement.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a professional qualification in QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, or equivalent, or be willing to work towards this within the statutory timescales
- Have the ability to engage with children and teenagers who have complex emotional needs
- Possess 2 years' experience in Social Care (desirable)
- Be able to work the required shift patterns including weekends, overnights, late shifts and bank holidays
- Have the ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with children and young people who have had complex early lives
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. 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.
Wokingham Borough Council Offer to You
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. 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.
You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
- Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 27 days per annum (pro-rata, rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline available 7 days per week
- Employee Assistance Programme including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- And much more
