Harmeny Education Trust New Social Educator Balerno, Edinburgh · office £24k–26k

Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption. We are currently looking for a Social Educator to join our Education Team on a part‑time, fixed‑term basis to provide dedicated 1‑to‑1 support for a pupil within a formal educational setting. The contract runs until 18 December 2026 and may be reviewed for extension in line with local authority funding.

Key responsibilities include meeting the individual needs of the pupil, supporting their learning and promoting meaningful engagement in the classroom and other learning environments. The post holder will plan and offer therapeutic experiences to individual children and small groups, link to the residential cottages and build relationships with parents, carers and families. The role is term‑time only, with 32 hours per week: Monday to Thursday 8:30‑3:30 pm, Friday 8:30‑12:30 pm. Annual leave will be taken within term‑time arrangements.

Applicants must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). A full driving licence is required. Harmeny is a values‑led organisation; a good fit with our ethos is as important as having relevant experience.

The estate offers a 35‑acre woodland setting with residential and education accommodation, a community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children’s play areas. It is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, accessible by bus with on‑site parking.

Benefits include:

• On‑site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership & psychotherapeutic support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
• Discounts on shopping and events
• Comprehensive induction package and a range of learning and development opportunities throughout your career

Closing date: 17 July 2026

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Class Teacher and Education Teams to provide high‑quality learning experiences and outcomes for children at Harmeny, based on a relational and experiential model of learning.
• Contributing to a nurturing ethos, providing a secure base that enables children to engage in learning.
• Supporting the 24‑hour curriculum to develop children’s social skills as vital components for lifelong learning.
• With supervision from the Service Manager (Education Support), identifying specific needs of children within the class and leading direct work to support their social and emotional development, grounded in Attachment, Resilience, Child Development and Trauma‑Informed Care principles.
• Promote a positive ethos in line with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
• Support the Education Management Team with the implementation of the School Improvement Plan, Harmeny Strategic Plan and policies.
• Develop solid working partnerships within the Education team and the wider Harmeny community.
• Provide support to children during transitions throughout the school day and outside the classroom when agreed by EMT.
• Communicate with colleagues, parents/carers and other professionals to ensure coherent working and positive outcomes for children.
• Interact positively with children using solution‑focused & strengths‑based principles.
• Develop and implement care plans as part of the child’s key team, addressing the child’s needs.
• Involved in risk assessment planning for children.
• Implement physical intervention techniques (where required).
• Provide learning support within the classroom and other environments, following guidance of Classroom Teachers and EMT.
• Promote children’s engagement with learning, building positive relationships and encouraging children to remain ‘on task’.
• Support the delivery of the curriculum, tailored to meet individual educational, care and therapeutic needs in line with national policies such as CfE and GIRFEC.
• Deliver direct individual or group work guided by the Service Manager or EMT.
• Prepare classroom teaching resources, maintain audio‑visual and ICT equipment and assist with classroom layout and tidiness.
• Ensure whole‑school educational equipment, resources and spaces are maintained to an excellent standard, overseeing a specific resource area.
• Provide administrative support, including accurate records, filing and photocopying.
• Support the development of children’s Personal Learning Planning and help children work towards individual goals and targets.
• Gather evidence for individual plans through preparation of displays.
• Participate in regular reviews and submit written reports on individual children as requested.
• Attend regular staff meetings as required and maintain up‑to‑date personal records in the database.
• Be flexible within the timetable and working patterns at the discretion of the Service Manager or EMT.
• Attend supervision, APR, training and other meetings as required.
• Participate in residential trips and holidays when required.
• Safely drive children and staff to and from outings, activities and external meetings via minibus or fleet vehicle.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• A relevant qualification in Social Care in line with SSSC registration for Residential Child Care Workers (e.g. HNC, SVQ).
• Knowledge and understanding of Looked‑After children, Accommodated children and children with complex Additional Support Needs.
• Ability to raise attainment and achievement for children with complex Additional Support Needs.
• Knowledge of child development, childcare legislation, the Scottish curriculum and relevant policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the residential childcare sector.
• A working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence.
• Understanding of children’s behaviour and the use of effective strategies to encourage positive behaviours.
• Experience in residential work and/or childcare and/or within an education setting.
• Understanding of the ‘duty of care’ to children and colleagues.
• Understanding of the practice issues of ‘physical intervention’ and ability to undertake such intervention when required.
• Experience, skill and commitment to working within a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to Children’s Rights and participation of children and their families.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Good organisational and administrative skills and computer literacy.
• A full driving licence and the ability to drive fleet vehicles and transport children as required.

• Evidence of further training in therapeutic work with children and young people.
• Knowledge of social pedagogical approach.
• Knowledge and experience of organising and delivering children’s activities/group work and/or supporting children’s learning.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 35 days’ holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme (three times salary)
• Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Policies and practices that promote health and wellbeing, including massage therapy and access to a wellbeing space
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities throughout the career with the post‑holder.