Social Educator in Balerno, Edinburgh

Social Educator in Balerno, Edinburgh

Balerno +1 Full-Time 29866 - 32600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children in a classroom setting, promoting engagement and delivering therapeutic experiences.
  • Company: Harmeny Education Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to helping children overcome trauma.
  • Benefits: Wellbeing spaces, free gym membership, massage therapy, and comprehensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Work in a beautiful woodland estate with excellent career growth and work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with Additional Support Needs, is beneficial.

The predicted salary is between 29866 - 32600 £ 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 Social Educators to join our Education Team on a permanent, full-time basis. The role is based within a classroom setting, supporting a class group by providing learning support and promoting engagement both in the classroom and across other learning environments. The successful candidate will be able to plan and deliver therapeutic experiences for individuals and small groups across the education and care setting. The role will involve providing a strong link to the children's cottages and building positive relationships with parents, carers, and families. Experience in supporting children with Additional Support Needs would be beneficial.

We are highly committed to the professional development of all our staff, and the successful candidate will access comprehensive training and development opportunities. Social Educators are required to work 35 hours per week. This position is on a 52-week contract, and the 7 weeks holiday are mostly to be taken within the school holidays. The working pattern for this position is Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

The successful candidate will be appointed on the Harmeny salary scale, at a point between 11 and 15 (£29,866 to £32,600) depending on qualifications and experience. The successful applicant will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). 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 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 & psychotherapeutic support
  • 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 fuller job description and person specification can be found on our website. If you are interested in joining our dynamic team, please contact Rebecca Buchan, Education Manager by telephoning the Trust. To apply, please complete the application via the recruitment section on our website.

Closing date: 12 June 2026 Interview dates: 18 and 22 June 2026

Locations

BalernoEdinburgh

Social Educator in Balerno, Edinburgh employer: Harmeny Education Trust Limited

Harmeny Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing therapeutic care and education to children who have faced early years trauma. Located in a stunning 35-acre woodland estate near Edinburgh, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development, offering comprehensive training, on-site wellbeing spaces, and a range of benefits designed to promote work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a fulfilling career in a values-led organisation.

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Contact Details:

Harmeny Education Trust Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Educator in Balerno, Edinburgh

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, dive into Harmeny Education Trust's mission and values. Understanding their ethos will help you connect your experiences with what they stand for, making you a more appealing candidate.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills can support children with Additional Support Needs, as this is key for the Social Educator role.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and resonate with the values of Harmeny.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Educator in Balerno, Edinburgh

Therapeutic Care
Educational Support
Engagement Promotion
Planning and Delivery of Therapeutic Experiences
Relationship Building
Experience with Additional Support Needs
Professional Development Commitment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to education and care.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Social Educator. Use keywords from the job description and relate your skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your enthusiasm comes across without overwhelming us with too much information.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about the benefits and opportunities we offer while you’re there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmeny Education Trust Limited

Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, take some time to research Harmeny Education Trust. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in providing therapeutic care and education. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Experience with Children

Be prepared to discuss your experience working with children, especially those with Additional Support Needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, whether through planning activities or building relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle various situations in the classroom or during therapeutic sessions. Practice your responses to common scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to engage with children effectively.

Emphasise Your Values and Fit

Harmeny is a values-led organisation, so be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Reflect on your approach to education and care, and be honest about what drives you. This will help the interviewers see if you're a good cultural fit for their team.