At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate team providing care and support to children in need.
- Company: Harmeny Education Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing initiatives, free gym membership, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful woodland estate with excellent transport links and on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care and leadership, with a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 42998 - 42998 £ per year.
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, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis.
We are currently seeking a proactive, compassionate, and highly organised Duty Manager to join our Care Team on a permanent, full-time basis. The postholder will contribute to a culture and ethos in which the needs of the children are paramount, providing them with security, safety, care, and opportunities for social development to enable them to reach their full potential.
The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the service, ensuring the highest standards of care, and supporting both residents and staff throughout each shift. As Duty Manager, you will act as the senior point of contact during shifts, promoting a safe, supportive, and person-centred environment in which children and young people can thrive.
The postholder will support the Service Manager (Residential) and Residential Team Manager, providing additional guidance, leadership, and support to the Care Team. In the absence of the Residential Team Manager and the Service Manager (Residential), the Duty Manager will assume responsibility for leading the Care Team and ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the service.
The successful candidate will be appointed at Point 26 on the Harmeny pay scale, which is currently £42,998 per annum. The working pattern for this post is 39 hours per week, including work during evenings and weekends. Additional hours may be required.
Successful applicants will be required to join Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) in line with the requirements for Residential Child Care Workers with Supervisory Responsibilities. A driving licence allowing the use of our vehicles is essential.
Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience. Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children's play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available.
We are highly committed to the professional development of all our staff and the postholder will have access to comprehensive training and development opportunities. We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance and staff development. Benefits include:
- On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
- Free gym membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
- Access to discounts on shopping and events
- Access to a comprehensive induction package, and to a range of learning and development opportunities throughout their career with us.
More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a complete job description and person specification can be found on our website. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please contact Craig Paul or Steph Bestford, Service Manager by telephoning the Trust. To apply, please complete the application form via our recruitment section on our website. Closing date: 3 August 2026.
Locations
Duty Manager (Care) in Balerno, Edinburgh employer: Harmeny Education Trust Limited
Harmeny Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer unique benefits such as free massage therapy and gym membership, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the charitable sector. Located in a convenient area with easy access to public transport and on-site parking, our work culture prioritises work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of young people.
Contact Details:
Harmeny Education Trust Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager (Care) in Balerno, 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 Harmeny Education Trust Limited.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager (Care) in Balerno, 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 Harmeny Education Trust Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harmeny Education Trust Limited! 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 Harmeny Education Trust Limited
✨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.