At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to veterans, supporting their personal and social needs.
- Company: Join Erskine, a respected Scottish charity dedicated to caring for veterans.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a welcome bonus of £500.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those who served our country.
- Qualifications: Kindness and compassion are essential; previous care experience is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 27299 - 27342 € per year.
Erskine Edinburgh Home, 468 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
Posted Thursday 21 May 2026 | Expires Sunday 7 June 2026
Working for Erskine
"ERSKINE" is an iconic Scottish charity, formed in 1916 by Scotland’s compassionate response to the horrors of war. A century later, we still believe that Veterans and their families deserve our utmost respect and compassion, for the sacrifices they made and the challenges they now face. At Erskine, we work as a dedicated team to ensure that Veterans of all ages are cared for to the highest of standards in a beautiful, fun-filled environment, made up of two care homes and a Veterans Village of cottages, activities centre and apartments.
Working in social care can be demanding. However, at Erskine it will also be rewarding and fulfilling. You will be making an incredible difference to the lives of our residents and their loved ones, at a critical time. We value skills and qualifications, but we prize kindness and compassion, above all. Our team is crucial to providing the best care possible, so we recognise and reward our employees with benefits including employer pension contribution, fantastic career opportunities, and enhanced annual leave. If you are kind and committed, then you do have what it takes to be part of the team here at Erskine! The ultimate aim is exceptional care and support to our ex-service community and everyone in every role, in every department plays their part.
23 or 34.5 hours per week, 2 or 3 days over 7
Our service is provided in a 24/7, 365 days environment. Our standard shifts are 12.5 hours (includes unpaid break) and are rotational between Day Shift and Night Shift.
- Day Shift: 07:30-20:00
- Night Shift: 19:30-08:00
Grade 2 Salary - £27,299 to £27,342 per annum (pro rata)
The Role
As a Care Assistant at Erskine, you will work under the supervision of senior care staff to provide the highest quality of care to our residents who have wide-ranging and complex needs including dementia. This is a demanding role, duties will be varied and no day will be the same. You will support residents with personal care activities such as washing, personal hygiene, dressing and assisting with meals. You will also care for their psychological and social needs promoting independence and personal choice, whilst encouraging them to take part in the wide range of activities that Erskine has to offer.
You will have a kind, warm and caring nature, be patient and understanding, and be able to work well as part of a team but also use your own initiative. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written are essential as you will be required to update records, write reports and liaise with residents, relatives and staff. Whilst previous care experience is desirable along with SVQ II in Health and Social Care or SVQ Social Service and Healthcare SCQF Level 6, it is not essential. You will, however, be required to achieve this qualification and Erskine will support you through this. You will also be responsible for ensuring you are a member of the Scottish Social Services Council within 3 months of joining Erskine.
Successful candidates for this post will receive a welcome bonus of £500 (pro rata for part time) paid in instalments - £250 after 3 months service and a further £250 after 6 months service.
28 days annual leave plus 5 public holidays, increasing to 33 days per year, at the rate of 1 additional day for 5 years.
Employer pension contribution
Reimbursement of professional care fees
Structured Induction programme
Opportunities for training & development
Enhanced sick & maternity pay
In-house Occupational Health Service
Free On-Site Parking
Health and Wellbeing Scheme
Blue Light Card
Please note Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Erskine are unable to provide sponsorship. If you are selected for interview, you will receive an invite by email (please ensure you check your spam / junk mailbox). The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. Where a candidate has resided in the UK for less than five years and lived / remained in a country for six months or more, in addition to a Disclosure/PVG, they will be asked to complete a criminal records check application via HireRight.
Please apply online at erskine.org.uk/careers. If you require the application in another format please contact the HR Department on 0141 338 6304.
Erskine are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Care Assistants - Erskine Edinburgh Home, Gilmerton employer: Erskine
Erskine is a highly respected charity dedicated to providing exceptional care for Veterans in a supportive and compassionate environment. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as enhanced annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that our Care Assistants not only make a meaningful impact but also thrive in their careers. Join us at our beautiful Edinburgh home, where your kindness and commitment will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Assistants - Erskine Edinburgh Home, Gilmerton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Erskine and its values. When you understand their mission to support veterans, you can tailor your conversation during interviews to show how your kindness and compassion align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on showcasing your caring nature and any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to work in a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a care role, looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the Erskine team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Assistants - Erskine Edinburgh Home, Gilmerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Kindness:When writing your application, let your compassionate side shine through! Share experiences that highlight your kindness and understanding, as these qualities are what we value most at Erskine.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your written application is easy to read. Use clear language and keep it concise. We want to see your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the Care Assistant role by mentioning specific duties and responsibilities from the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Check Your Spelling and Grammar:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a good proofread. Excellent communication skills are essential, so make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors that could distract from your message.
How to prepare for a job interview at Erskine
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Care Assistant at Erskine involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, such as supporting residents with personal care and promoting their independence. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Erskine values kindness and compassion above all else. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Whether it's through volunteering or caring for a family member, showing your empathetic side can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of activities available for residents. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Erskine is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Communication Skills
As a Care Assistant, excellent communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing your experiences and qualifications.
