Residential Child Care Worker (Sessional)

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 seeking Residential Child Care Workers to join our Care staff team on a casual / relief basis. The postholders will contribute to a culture and ethos in which the needs of the children and young people are paramount. Acting as a nurturing figure, you will provide them with security, safety, care and social development to enable them to prepare for independence and reach their potential.

The applicants should be registered, or will need to register within the first three months of employment, with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner on the register for children and young people workforce in residential child care services.

Working Patterns

• Early Shift: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Back Shift: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Salary

• Unqualified: £15.09 per hour, plus £1.82 per hour holiday pay
• Part-Qualified: £15.86 per hour, plus £1.91 per hour holiday pay
• Fully-Qualified: £17.31 per hour, plus £2.09 per hour holiday pay

*Rates include a holiday pay element as outlined above. 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.

Benefits

• On‑site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership and cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
• Access to discounts on shopping and events
• Competitive salary
• Policies and practices that promote health and wellbeing, including massage therapy and access to wellbeing spaces

All staff receive a comprehensive induction package, and access 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 at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs. Harmeny is a values‑led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience. If you would like to find out more about this rewarding opportunity, please contact a member of the Care Management Team on 0131 449 3938 or email recruitment@harmeny.org.uk. To apply, please complete the application form via the ‘Careers’ section on www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs or by telephone on 0131 449 3938.

Closing date: 22 January 2026

Interview date: 27 January 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
• Support the Care Management Team with the implementation of management decisions, consistent with the Harmeny and cottage plans, policies and procedures.
• Be an integral part of the Care staff team.
• Care for the children’s everyday requirements and to help create a homely, caring and safe environment for all the children at Harmeny.
• Communicate and interact positively with children using solution‑focused and strengths‑based principles in line with Harmeny policy, procedures and core values.
• Develop and implement care plans which address the needs of the child.
• Be involved in the development and implementation of risk assessment planning for children.
• Understand children’s behaviour and support them to manage their behaviour themselves.
• Be involved in the development and implementation of cottage improvement plans that reflect recommendations from the Independent Care Review outcomes – “The Promise”.
• Where required, as a last resort, implement physical intervention techniques.
• Support children’s learning during and outwith the formal school day.
• Attend regular staff and children’s meetings as required.
• Ensure that all children’s personal records including case notes, reviews and medical information are kept up to date.
• Attend supervision, annual performance review, training and other meetings as required.
• Participate in residential trips and holidays when required.
• Have a flexible approach to the timetable and working patterns at the discretion of the Residential Team Manager or Care Management Team.
• Undertake domestic and food preparation duties as directed, and ensure that others in the team also do so.
• Undertake induction and other relevant training as required to fulfil the duties of the post and maintain registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the management team that are consistent with the role of Residential Child Care Worker.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of HNC and SVQ (SCQF level 7) qualifications in line with the SSSC registration requirements for practitioners on the register for children and young people in the residential child care services.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Experience in residential work and / or childcare, including working with children with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of children who are looked after and accommodated, and children with complex additional support needs.
• Knowledge of child development, childcare legislation, good practice guidance, policy and procedures and a commitment to Children’s Rights.
• Knowledge of outcomes of the Independent Care Review “The Promise”.
• Understanding of the duty of care to children and colleagues.
• Understanding of the practice issues of physical intervention (PI), and ability to undertake PI when required.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Good organisational and administrative skills and computer literacy.