We are seeking a Residential Child Care Worker to join our Care staff team on a part-time (0.41 FTE), ongoing employment basis to work during weekends only.
The postholder 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.
Ability to drive is an essential requirement for this post.
The successful candidates will work 16 hours (0.41 FTE) per weekend. Shifts are either 7:30am-3:30pm or 2:30pm-10:30pm.
The salary for the post is linked to the qualifications that you hold as required by the SSSC:
- £13,005 per annum (unqualified)
- £13,652 per annum (part-qualified)
- £15,068 to £16,294 per annum (qualified)
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.
- 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.
Closing date: 23 October 2026
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
- Support the Residential Team Manager 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-focussed 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 out with the formal school day.
- Be a designated keyworker as directed by the Residential Team Manager or Care Management Team.
- As designated keyworker, participate in regular reviews and submit written reports on individual children.
- 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.
- Undertake sleeping-in duties as required by the staffing rota.
- 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 SSSC registration.
- 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 Experience
- Qualifications in line with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements for residential child care workers (e.g. HNC and SVQs). For more details, please visit www.sssc.uk.com.
- 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 verbal.
- Good organisational and administrative skills and computer literacy.
- Committed to high standards of care.
- Able to handle competing priorities and a challenging workload within a highly pressurised working environment.
- Emotionally intelligent, with an understanding of the needs of others and a commitment to reflective practice.
- Accountable for own performance.
- Proactive and takes the initiative to gain the information needed for the role, with a flexible and ‘can do’ attitude.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 35 days’ holiday per year pro rata, 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
- We are highly committed to the professional development of all our staff and the post-holders will have access to comprehensive training and development opportunities
Residential Child Care Worker (weekend only) in Edinburgh employer: Harmeny Education Trust
Harmeny Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a values-led charitable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and education for children who have faced early years trauma. Located in a stunning 35-acre woodland estate near Edinburgh, the Trust fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and reflective practice, allowing Psychotherapy Consultants to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a serene environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
