At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in building confidence and independence through daily routines and fun activities.
- Company: Join Action for Children, a passionate team dedicated to creating safe childhoods.
- Benefits: Enjoy over 7 weeks paid leave, flexible working options, and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing personally and professionally.
- Qualifications: Compassion and enthusiasm are key; experience is not essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and celebrates progress.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Salary: £26,000 per annum (£26,200 per annum, effective 1st April)
Location: Roles in Haddington or Edinburgh
Contract / Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week (rota pattern including some weekends). We are also open to Part Time and casual hours.
Closing date for applications: Midnight of 31st March. Interviews scheduled 7th April.
Benefits
- Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
- Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
- Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
- Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
- Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you will be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.
A bit about the role
Are you someone who loves making meaningful connections and supporting young people to thrive? We are looking for caring, energetic individuals who bring a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to giving the best care to children and young people. You do not need lots of experience or qualifications; what matters most is your compassion, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
As a Housing Support Practitioner, you will play a key role in helping young adults build confidence, independence and life skills. You will support daily routines, personal care, and medication, but you will also bring joy and adventure into everyday life. Think walks in the park, swimming, surfing, exploring new places, and celebrating the small wins that mean so much.
You will help shape personalised care plans, support decision‐making, and be a trusted presence as young people work toward their goals. This is a role where you will witness real growth, theirs and your own, and where every day offers new opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
About the Service
Our Housing Support and Care at Home service empowers young adults to live independently in their own homes and communities. Right now, we are privileged to support two amazing young people — a young man and a young woman — who each have their own tenancies. They live with learning disabilities and sometimes experience behaviours that challenge, but they are full of personality, potential, and a love for life.
With 2:1 support, we help them navigate daily living while encouraging independence, confidence, and self‐expression. We believe that behaviour is communication, and our approach is rooted in listening, understanding, and responding with compassion.
You will be joining a team that celebrates progress, values creativity, and is committed to providing safe, person‐centred, empowering support. It is a place where your work truly matters and where you will help young people feel safe, seen, and supported as they build their futures.
What you do could make a difference
Some key responsibilities of a Housing Support Practitioner are:
- Building strong, respectful relationships with young people, their families, and your team
- Staying alert and responsive to safeguarding and child protection policies
- Helping young people grow into confident, happy, and healthy adults
- Focusing on solutions and celebrating strengths, even in challenging moments
- Creating safe, nurturing environments where young people feel heard and supported
- Reporting concerns appropriately and always putting safety and wellbeing first
Let’s talk about you
A positive approach, providing a fun environment for the young people in our care. Ideally, you will have an HNC and SVQ Level 3 in a social care-related field (or a qualification that meets registration requirements) — but if not, we will support you if you are committed to working towards them.
Ability to manage difficult situations. Willingness to participate in relevant on the job or off site training. Providing support and care. A commitment to working on rota pattern, which includes weekends and some bank holidays.
Why Action for Children?
Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children do not. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you will help us change that where it really matters.
We have been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot has changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we will be here.
Will you join us?
Contact
Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 12833
Diversity, equality and inclusion
We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we are capable of amazing things.
We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children. Men are currently under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to change that. So, we really encourage men to apply for any of our Children Service roles.
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Housing Support Practitioner in Haddington employer: Action for Children
Contact Detail:
Action for Children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Practitioner in Haddington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Action for Children. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your own experiences align with what they stand for. This will help you connect better during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions like 'How would you support a young person in need?' This will help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you're in the interview, let your passion for helping young people shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your compassion and enthusiasm. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Practitioner in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting young people and how you can bring joy to their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Housing Support Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly related, and show us how your skills align with our mission of empowering young adults.
Show Your Enthusiasm: We love seeing enthusiasm! In your application, express your commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people. Share any experiences that demonstrate your positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Support Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like building relationships, supporting daily routines, and creating care plans. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
This role is all about making meaningful connections, so be ready to share examples of how you've shown compassion and support in previous experiences. Whether it’s through volunteering or personal anecdotes, showing your caring nature will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving young people with challenging behaviours. Think about your approach to problem-solving and how you would create a safe, nurturing environment. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since the job description mentions that experience isn’t everything, highlight your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Discuss any relevant training you’re willing to undertake and how you plan to develop your skills further. This shows your commitment to the position and the organisation's mission.