More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs. If you would like to find out more about this rewarding opportunity, please contact member of the Care Management Team on 0131 449 3938 or email recruitment@harmeny.org.uk. To apply, please complete the application form via our recruitment section at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs or by telephone on 0131 4493938. Closing date: 23 October 2026
Interview date: 29 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
• 7 weeks’ holiday per year, 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