Residential Child Care Workers

Application Deadline: 19 June 2026

Department: Care

Location: Balerno, Edinburgh

Compensation: £31,701 - £39,717 per year (based on qualifications)

Schedule: Flexible rota including evenings, weekends and sleeping‑in duties. Full‑time roles average 39 hours per week; part‑time roles average 19.5 hours per week.

Employment Types: 2 full‑time ongoing, 1 full‑time maternity cover (fixed term to 28 December 2026), 1 part‑time ongoing.

Responsibilities

• Promote a positive ethos consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
• Support the Residential Team Manager with implementation of decisions, consistent with the cottage plans, policies and procedures.
• Be an integral part of the Care staff team.
• Care for the children’s everyday requirements and create a homely, caring and safe environment.
• Communicate and interact positively with children using solution‑focused and strengths‑based principles.
• Develop and implement care plans addressing the needs of each child.
• Participate in risk assessment planning for children.
• Understand children’s behaviour and support them to manage their behaviour.
• Implement cottage improvement plans reflecting recommendations from the Independent Care Review outcomes – "The Promise".
• When necessary, as a last resort, implement physical intervention techniques.
• Support children’s learning during and outside the formal school day.
• Act as a designated keyworker as directed by the Residential Team Manager or Care Management Team.
• As keyworker, participate in regular reviews and submit written reports on individual children.
• Attend regular staff and children’s meetings as required.
• Keep all children’s personal records, case notes, reviews and medical information up to date.
• Attend supervision, annual performance reviews, training and other meetings as required.
• Undertake sleeping‑in duties as required by the staffing rota.
• Participate in residential trips and holidays when required.
• Maintain a flexible approach to the timetable and working patterns at the discretion of management.
• Undertake domestic and food preparation duties and ensure the team also adheres to them.
• Undertake induction and relevant training to maintain SSSC registration.
• Perform any other duties delegated by the management team that are consistent with the role.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Registered, or willing to register, with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within the first three months of employment.
• Required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
• Valid driving licence (required for use of organisation vehicles).
• Proficiency in SSSC classification: unqualified, part‑qualified or qualified, with corresponding salary ranges.
• Experience in residential work and/or childcare, including working with children with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Knowledge of children who are looked after and children with complex additional support needs.
• Understanding of child development, childcare legislation, good practice guidance, policy and procedures and a commitment to Children’s Rights.
• Knowledge of the outcomes of the Independent Care Review "The Promise".
• Knowledge of physical intervention practice and ability to undertake interventions when required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisational and administrative skills and computer literacy.
• Committed to high standards of care and able to handle a challenging workload.
• Emotionally intelligent with a commitment to reflective practice.
• Accountable for own performance and proactive in gaining information for the role.
• Can work within a highly pressurised environment and manage competing priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications.
• Seven weeks annual leave (including public holidays).
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance (three times salary).
• On‑site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy.
• Free gym membership.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Wellbeing app and counselling services.
• Discounts on shopping and events.
• Comprehensive induction programme and continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Sleep‑over allowance of £100 per session.

Salary ranges: Unqualified: £31,701; Part‑qualified: £33,279; Qualified: £36,729 – £39,717 per year. Pro rata for part‑time.