Residential Child Care Worker

Final date to receive applications: 23 October 2026

Department:
Care

Location:

Balerno, Edinburgh

Compensation: £31,701 - £39,717 / year

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, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis.

We are seeking a Residential Child Care Worker to join our Care staff team, which operates all year round.

The postholder will contribute to a culture and ethos 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.

The successful candidate will work 39 hours per week according to a rota system which includes evening and weekend work.

The salary for these posts is determined by the qualifications held by applicants, in line with SSSC requirements.

• £31,701 per annum (unqualified)
• £33,279 per annum (part-qualified)
• £36,729 to £39,717 per annum (qualified)

Generous sleepover allowance of £100 per session is paid in addition to salary.

Successful applicants will be required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

A driving licence allowing the use of our vehicles is essential.

Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

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.

We offer a range of benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance and staff development. These include:

• Seven weeks of annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance (three times salary)
• On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy
• Free gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling services
• Access to discounts on shopping and events
• Access to a comprehensive induction programme, along with a wide range of learning and development opportunities throughout your career with us

More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found at

If you would like to find out more about this rewarding opportunity, please contact member of the Care Management Team on  or email

Closing date: 23 October 2026

Interview date: 29 October 2026

• 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…