At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a nurturing home, promoting wellbeing and independence.
- Company: Join Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust, a leading children's charity in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy reflective supervision, ongoing development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a six-week rota, including evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while fostering meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or youth work; SVQ 4 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust is one of Edinburgh's longest-established children's charities. We provide residential care, community-based support, and family services for children and young people. Our work is rooted in The Promise, with a clear commitment to ensuring that all young people experience care that is safe, loving, and relational, where they feel listened to, respected and able to thrive. We are guided by our values of Care, Perseverance, Acceptance and Hope, and by a strong belief that relationships are the most important factor in supporting positive outcomes for young people transitioning to adulthood.
We are looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our team at Chestnut Wynd, our purpose-built home in West Granton. Chestnut Wynd provides a warm, nurturing and rights-respecting home for up to five young people aged 15–21. The environment has been designed to promote wellbeing, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.
As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in creating a culture where young people:
- Feel safe, cared for and loved
- Are supported to develop and maintain meaningful relationships
- Have their rights upheld and their voices heard
- Are empowered to achieve their goals and aspirations
You will:
- Work alongside young people in a relational and trauma-informed way, recognising the impact of adverse experiences
- Support young people's wellbeing in line with SHANARRI indicators (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included)
- Take a lead role in assessment, care planning and reviews, ensuring plans are meaningful, strengths-based and outcome-focused
- Deliver individual and group interventions that support emotional wellbeing, life skills and independence
- Support young people to access education, training, employment and community opportunities
- Build and sustain strong partnerships with families, carers and multi-agency professionals
- Contribute to maintaining a home that is safe, consistent, and responsive to individual needs, in line with Care Inspectorate standards
- Actively promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning and professional development
You will also support the wider team in reflective practice, ensuring that care is ethical, informed and continually improving.
About You
- Is relationship based in their approach, recognising that connection comes before change
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to The Promise and children's rights (UNCRC)
- Has experience of trauma-informed, attachment and restorative practice
- Is confident in using reflective practice and contributing to a learning culture
- Can lead on undertake high quality assessments and care planning, focused on strengths and outcomes
- Is skilled in listening to and advocating for young people's views
- Is able to work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners
- Brings compassion, curiosity, creativity and resilience to their practice and can role model this to the team
- Understands the importance of service improvement planning
Working Pattern
This role operates on a six-week rota, including:
- Evenings and weekends
- Sleep-in shifts
- On call duties one week out of eight
What We Offer
We are committed to supporting our staff to provide the best possible care. We offer:
- Regular reflective supervision and practice support
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- A strong team culture focused on wellbeing and support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a discounted holiday caravan
- Eligibility to register for concert for carers
Requirements
- Relevant experience in residential care, social care, youth work or family support
- Minimum qualification: SVQ 4 (or willingness to work towards)
- Registration with: PVG Scheme
- Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
This is an opportunity to be part of a service committed to delivering high-quality, rights-based, relational care, where young people are supported to heal, grow and thrive. If you share our commitment to The Promise and want to make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Practitioner – Chestnut Wynd in Edinburgh employer: Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust
Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and the young people they serve. With a strong emphasis on professional development, reflective practice, and a team culture rooted in care and compassion, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals. Located in West Granton, the purpose-built Chestnut Wynd home offers a unique opportunity to work in a setting that prioritises wellbeing, independence, and the voices of young people, making it an ideal place for those passionate about children's rights and relational care.
Contact Details:
Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner – Chestnut Wynd in Edinburgh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner – Chestnut Wynd in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dean and Cauvin Young People's Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
