Residential Child Care Worker; Sessional

Residential Child Care Worker (Sessional)

Join to apply for the Residential Child Care Worker (Sessional) role at Harmeny Education Trust
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Description

Final date to receive applications: 22 January 2026

Department: Care

Location: Balerno, Edinburgh

Compensation: £16.91 - £19.40 / hour

Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption. We work with children and young people aged 5‑18 on a day and all‑year‑round residential basis.

We are seeking Residential Child Care Workers to join our Care staff team on a casual / relief basis.

The postholders will contribute to a culture in which the needs of the children and young people are paramount. Acting as a nurturing figure, you will provide them with security, safety, care and social development to enable them to prepare for independence and reach their potential.

Applicants should be registered, or will need to register within the first three months of employment, with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner on the register for children and young people workforce in residential child care services.

• Early Shift: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Back Shift: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Unqualified: £15.09 per hour, plus £1.82 per hour holiday pay*
• Part‑Qualified: £15.86 per hour, plus £1.91 per hour holiday pay*
• Fully‑Qualified: £17.31 per hour, plus £2.09 per hour holiday pay*

* Rates include a holiday pay element as outlined above.

Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35‑acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children’s play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on‑site parking available.

• On‑site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership and cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling
• Access to discounts on shopping and events
• Comprehensive induction package and learning and development opportunities
• Competitive salary

For more information, contact a member of the Care Management Team on 0131 449 3938 or email

Complete the application form via the ‘Careers’ section on  or by telephone on 0131 449 3938.

Closing date: 22 January 2026

Interview date: 27 January 2026

• Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values.
• Support the Care Management Team 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‑focused 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 outwith the formal school day.
• 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.
• 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…