At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform lives by providing nurturing care to children with complex needs.
- Company: Join Midlothian Residential Services, a forward-thinking team dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of Β£40,500, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and travel across Midlothian.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in social care.
- Qualifications: HNC in social care and SVQ Level 3 required; experience with children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 40500 β¬ per year.
Considering making an application for this job? Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply.
Imagine you could change someone's life. Being a Practitioner within our service you could do just that. Midlothian Residential Services have an exciting opportunity for a Children's Services Practitioner to join our team. Your skills, values and experience can truly transform our children's lives.
We provide safe, warm and nurturing homes for children with complex emotional, behavioural and attachment needs to live in. We are looking for individuals who can provide the warm and nurturing care our young people require to help them meet their potential and live happy lives. Recently achieving a Very Good grading in our inspection, you will be joining an ambitious, creative, forward-thinking team who go above and beyond to ensure our children, both past and present, achieve the best possible care and support.
Ideal candidateYou will already have achieved an HNC in social care and SVQ Level 3 (children and young people), or equivalent, with a relevant discipline. You will have direct experience of working with children and their families, as well as having a depth of knowledge in approaches such as Trauma Informed Practice, Relational Based Practice, Child Development and Attachment. You will be familiar with the SSSC Code of Practice, Human Rights legislation, United Nation Convention of the Rights of Child, getting it right for every child and the Promise.
Experience of working within a Young Person's Residential Setting is desirable as is specialist experience of working with children and young people in crisis or at risk; this may include children at risk of harm, looked after children, children affected by disability, care experienced young people and young people who offend.
KNOWLEDGEYou must be educated to a minimum of HNC in Health and Social care and SVQ Level 3 (children and young people) or equivalent with a relevant discipline for registration with the SSSC. You must have previous experience of working with young people in a residential setting and a commitment to continued professional development.
You will have a sound knowledge base in relation to working with children and young people, and in using a relationship-based trauma informed approach which promotes positive attachments.
Travelling is integral to this role and you will be required to travel across Midlothian either using public transport, or your own car if appropriate, as required.
The jobholder will undertake training specified within the Service training & staff development plan in relation to the administration of medication.
CLOSING DATE β Thursday 11th June 2026INTERVIEW DATE - Thursday 18th and Friday 19th June 2026Requirements
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Children's Services Practitioner - MID07485 in Whitehead employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Children's Services Practitioners dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs. With a strong focus on professional development, a commitment to trauma-informed care, and a recent 'Very Good' inspection rating, employees can thrive in a creative and ambitious team that values their contributions. Located in the heart of Midlothian, the role provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community while ensuring a fulfilling career path in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Children's Services Practitioner - MID07485 in Whitehead
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services field. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the sector. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Children's Services Practitioners and practice your responses. Think about your experiences with trauma-informed practices and how you've made a difference in children's lives. Confidence is key!
β¨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to nurturing and supporting young people.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Don't miss out on this opportunity to change livesβget your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Services Practitioner - MID07485 in Whitehead
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Children's Services Practitioner and how your skills and experiences align with our needs.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, highlight your experience working with children and young people, especially in residential settings. We want to see how your background fits with our values and the specific requirements of the role.
Be Authentic and Personal:Let your personality shine through in your application! Share your passion for working with children and how you can make a difference in their lives. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and commitment.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're ready, make sure to submit your application through our website. It's the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice, Relational Based Practice, and the SSSC Code of Practice. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children and families, especially in crisis situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
β¨Demonstrate Your Values
This role is all about providing warm and nurturing care. Be ready to talk about your personal values and how they align with the mission of Midlothian Residential Services. Share stories that highlight your commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team culture, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to their mission.