Senior Residential Care Worker

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.

• Supporting children and young people in daily life
• Leading and mentoring support workers
• Supporting appointments and activities
• Maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding
• Assisting the Deputy Manager in developing the team

• 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

• 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

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.

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. In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

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.

• Enhanced Family Growth Support
• Critical Illness Cover
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
• Fully funded qualifications
• "Journey to Management" Programme
• Opportunities to progress into Deputy Manager and Management roles

We invest heavily in our people.

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.