Residential Support Worker
Salary: £26,100 per annum, pro rata (£13.53 per hour)
Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian
Contract/Hours: Permanent / We offer flexible Part Time contracts at 30 hours a week, with shorter 6‑hour shifts that run after school hours, giving you a steady Monday–Friday routine with no weekend work, and we also have casual hours available if you prefer a more flexible hours
Benefits
- Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
- Professional qualification funded by us and opportunities for progression
- Advanced training pathway covering behaviour support, autism awareness, and trauma‑informed approaches
- Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
- Up to 5% employer pension contribution and life assurance cover
- Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers
At Action for Children, we’re a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and young people to feel safe, included and able to thrive. Alongside our fostering, family support and early help services, we also provide specialist care for young people with complex needs, including intellectual disabilities and autism. Our teams work in highly tailored environments where every young person receives individualised support that meets their social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive needs
About the role
Due to service expansion, we’re now looking to add new members to our team!
The Residential Support Worker role is a brilliant opportunity for someone with care experience who’s ready to grow and take the next step. You’ll play a key part in keeping young people safe, nurturing their resilience and supporting them to build independence — always managing risk thoughtfully and in a way that empowers rather than restricts.
Day to day, you’ll plan and deliver personalised outreach sessions, spend meaningful time getting to know each young person and support them as they work towards their own goals. That might mean helping them try new activities, building confidence in the community, or simply being a steady, reassuring presence when things feel tough.
We’re looking for someone who brings strong social care values, genuine compassion and a calm, positive energy that young people can rely on. Someone who can listen deeply, communicate clearly and show up with patience, curiosity and respect.
When you join our team, you’ll step into a supportive, purpose‑driven environment where your development truly matters. You’ll have space to learn, grow and build your skills — and you’ll make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people every single day.
About the Service
At our Edinburgh and Lothians Outreach Service, we support young people with additional needs to feel connected, confident and included in their local communities. Everything we do is rooted in a person‑centred approach and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, grow and enjoy a full, meaningful life.
We focus on creating positive, memorable experiences — helping children and young people take part in activities they already love, while also encouraging them to try new things, explore their surroundings and build confidence along the way. It’s all about meeting them where they are, celebrating who they are and supporting them to feel safe, valued and understood.
How you’ll create brighter futures
- 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
- Holding or working towards an SVQ/HNC — SVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People or an HNC in Social Care, or a genuine enthusiasm to work towards gaining it
- Bringing helpful experience in residential care is a bonus, but not essential — we value your attitude, compassion and commitment most
- Understanding safeguarding in a thoughtful, confident way, and being able to apply it in everyday situations
- Championing young people’s rights and making sure their voices, choices and wellbeing are always at the centre
- Being open to learning and ready to get involved in the training and development opportunities we offer
Will you join us?
Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13196
Diversity, equality and inclusion
We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.
We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under‑represented within Action for Children.
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
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