Social Educator

Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma. The Social Educator works within a classroom setting, supporting a class group and promoting engagement both in the classroom and across other learning environments. The role involves planning and delivering therapeutic experiences, building positive relationships with children, parents and families, and supporting children with additional support needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Class Teacher and Education Teams to provide high-quality learning experiences based on a relational and experiential model.
• Contribute to a nurturing environment that provides a secure base for children to engage in learning.
• Support the 24-hour curriculum to develop children’s social skills, as essential for lifelong learning.
• Identify children’s specific needs and lead regular direct work to support their social and emotional development, using attachment, resilience, child development and trauma-informed care principles.
• Promote a positive ethos in line with Harmeny’s vision and values.
• Support the Education Management Team with the School Improvement Plan, Strategic Plan and policies.
• Develop partnerships within the Harmeny community.
• Provide support during transitions and, when agreed, outside the classroom.
• Communicate with colleagues, parents/carers and professionals for coherent working.
• Use solution-focused and strengths-based principles in interactions with children.
• Develop and implement care plans for children.
• Involved in risk assessment planning.
• Implement physical intervention techniques when required.
• Provide learning support following guidance of teachers and the Education Management Team.
• Encourage children to stay on task and engage with the curriculum.
• Deliver direct individual or group work as guided.
• Prepare teaching resources and maintain classroom equipment.
• Ensure educational resources and spaces are maintained at a high standard.
• Provide administrative support, including record keeping, filing and photocopying.
• Support children’s Personal Learning Plans and goal working.
• Gather evidence for individual plans and create displays.
• Attend regular staff meetings and record keeping for the database.
• Be flexible within the timetable as directed.
• Attend supervision, training and other meetings.
• Participate in residential trips and holidays.
• Safely drive children and staff to outings and meetings.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Relevant qualification in Social Care in line with SSSC requirements (e.g. HNC, SVQ).
• Knowledge of children who are looked after or accommodated and with complex Additional Support Needs.
• Ability to raise attainment for children with complex needs.
• Understanding of child development, childcare legislation, the Scottish curriculum and relevant policies.
• Knowledge of the residential childcare sector.
• Working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence.
• Understanding of children’s behaviour and strategies to encourage positive behaviours.
• Experience in residential work, childcare or education settings.
• Understanding of duty of care to children and colleagues.
• Understanding of physical intervention practice and ability to implement when required.
• Experience and commitment to multi-disciplinary working.
• Commitment to children’s rights and participation.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good organisational, administrative skills and computer literacy.
• Full driving licence and ability to drive fleet vehicles and transport children.

Desirable

• Further training in therapeutic work with children and young people.
• Knowledge of social pedagogical approach.
• Experience organising and delivering children’s activities, group work and supporting learning.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£29,866 – £32,600 per year).
• 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.
• Wellbeing support, including massage therapy, wellbeing space, gym membership and counselling.
• Professional development: induction package and ongoing training opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme and discounts on shopping and events.
• Access to comprehensive wellbeing app.