Residential Support Worker

Residential Support Worker 

Salary: £25,500 per annum, pro rata (£13.22 per hour)

Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian

Contract/Hours: Permanent / We have a variety of Part Time contracts available (30 hours, 24 hours & 18 hours (Please note that shift times consist of 6 hours and are after school hours. No weekend work involved) and we also have casual hours available. 

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays and options to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities 
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% matched employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts
• We are a Real Living Wage accredited employer

We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years. 

About the role

At Our Edinburgh and Lothians Outreach Service, we’re dedicated to supporting young people with additional needs, helping them feel connected to their local communities through a person-centred and inclusive approach. Our mission is to empower each young individual to reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling, active life.

We create positive, enjoyable experiences where children and young people can engage in activities they love—while also exploring new interests, outings, and opportunities for growth.

The Residential Support Worker role is a fantastic opportunity for experienced care professionals seeking to take the next step in their career. You’ll be instrumental in promoting safety, building resilience, and encouraging independence by managing risk in thoughtful, empowering ways.

This role involves planning and delivering personalised outreach sessions, getting to know each young person, and helping them work towards their individual goals. We’re looking for someone who exemplifies strong social care values, practices with compassion and professionalism, and serves as a positive role model.

When you join our team, you’ll find a supportive, purpose-driven environment with opportunities for professional development—and the chance to make a genuine difference in young lives every day.

How you’ll create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker role include;

• Community Engagement: You'll spend most of your time out and about, supporting our children to access local communities. Whether it's a trip to the beach, an afternoon at the zoo, or playtime in the park, you'll be there to facilitate enriching experiences. 
• Personalised Care: You'll get to know each child and young person individually, tailoring your approach to their unique needs. Your planning and delivery of outreach sessions will focus on helping them achieve positive outcomes. 
• Advocacy: You'll be their voice, advocating for their rights and ensuring they have equal opportunities. Your commitment to their well-being will create a safe and nurturing environment. 
• Collaboration: As part of our multi-disciplinary and multi-agency team, you'll collaborate with professionals, families, and other stakeholders to provide holistic support. 

Let’s talk about you

• SVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People / HNC in Social Care or the willingness to work towards 
• Previous experience in a residential life space is desirable but not essential. 
• Good knowledge of safeguarding principles and practices. 
• Advocacy for the rights and well-being of the children and young people. 
• Openness and commitment to ongoing training provided by our organisation. 
• Driving licence and access to a car. The job requires the ability to travel according to the needs of the job, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.

Good to know 

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Contact: recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 11702

Diversity, equality and inclusion 
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children. 

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles. 

Please click on the below links to find out more about this role and Action for Children;

Job Description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Action for Children's story 

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services

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