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 growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment await you.
- 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.
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 and their families in a supportive and compassionate environment. As a Care Assistant at our Edinburgh Home, you will not only make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents but also benefit from a strong work culture that prioritises kindness, professional development, and employee well-being, including generous annual leave, pension contributions, and training opportunities. Join us in our mission to honour those who have served, while enjoying a fulfilling career in social care.
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 conversations 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 the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your warm and caring nature shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your compassion and teamwork skills, as these are key traits for a Care Assistant at Erskine.
✨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 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about caring for others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what it entails.
Showcase Your Compassion:Since kindness and compassion are at the heart of what we do, include examples in your application that demonstrate these qualities. Whether it's a personal story or a professional experience, we want to know how you care!
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both of us, please apply directly through our website at erskine.org.uk/careers. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hassle!
How to prepare for a job interview at Erskine
✨Show Your Compassion
When interviewing for a Care Assistant position, it's crucial to demonstrate your kindness and compassion. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your ability to connect with others, especially in challenging situations. This will resonate well with the values of Erskine.
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Care Assistant at Erskine. Understand the importance of supporting residents with personal care and promoting their independence. Being able to discuss these responsibilities confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as dealing with a resident who is upset or managing a busy shift. Practising these responses can help you feel more prepared and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how Erskine supports its staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
