At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor young people with autism in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Options Autism, a leader in specialist care and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, mental health support, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for progression and fully funded qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: HNC in Social Care and supervisory experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27187 - 33229 £ per year.
Location: Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire
Salary: Up to £30,343.95 per annum (depending on qualifications, plus sleepover and on call payments)
Hours: 39 hours per week
Closing date: Monday, 7th September 2026
About The Role
At Options Autism, we're passionate about helping children and young people with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties achieve incredible futures. We're looking for a caring, resilient and motivated Senior Residential Care Worker to join our team in Dumfriesshire. This is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to support young people to develop confidence, independence and life skills while building a rewarding long-term career. As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you'll help lead a skilled and compassionate team while creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for our young people.
Responsibilities
- Supporting children and young people in daily life
- Administering medication
- Leading and mentoring support workers
- Supporting appointments and activities
- Completing care documentation
- Maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding
- Assisting the Deputy Manager in developing the team
Mandatory
- HNC in Social Care, SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) – SCQF 7 (Level 3) or equivalent
- willingness to work towards an SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) – SCQF 9 (Level 4)
- Minimum 2 years' supervisory experience
Personal Qualities
- A passion for supporting children and young people
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Patience, resilience and a positive attitude
- The ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
The Location
Holistic Childcare and Education consists of two specialist homes: Closeburn House and Maben House. Closeburn House supports young people aged 10-16 years, while Maben House supports young people aged 6-16 years. Both homes are within commuting distance of Dumfries, Lockerbie and surrounding areas. Our homes are dedicated to helping young people develop independence, life skills and personal interests, creating opportunities for brighter futures. Every day is different, offering both challenge and reward as you support young people in a safe and nurturing environment where they are listened to, respected and encouraged to thrive.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
Why Join Options Autism?
We place children and young people at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS check.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced Family Growth Support
- Critical Illness Cover
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Develop Your Career
We invest heavily in our people.
- Fully funded qualifications
- 'Journey to Management' Programme
- Opportunities to progress into Deputy Manager and Management roles
Administrative Note
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Senior Residential Care Worker in Lochmaben employer: Momenta Connect
Momenta Connect is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its Speech and Language Therapists within a supportive multidisciplinary team. Located in Sussex, we offer a unique work-life balance with flexible contracts, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a rewarding and collaborative work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Residential Care Worker in Lochmaben
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Momenta Connect.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Momenta Connect!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Momenta Connect, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Momenta Connect or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Residential Care Worker in Lochmaben
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Momenta Connect:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Momenta Connect! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Momenta Connect
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
