Residential Support Worker
Salary: £13.53 per hour
Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian
Contract/Hours: Casual - pick and choose when you work, around your study, family, retirement or home life!
Benefits: pension scheme, career progression, fantastic training opportunities, employee wellbeing support, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands
We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years.
About the role
Are you an experienced care professional looking for a rewarding role and career growth? Our Residential Support Worker position is the perfect opportunity for you! You'll use your skills to empower young individuals, build their resilience, and ensure their well-being. By emphasising person-centered care and strong social values, you'll be a positive influence and mentor to our young people.
In return, we offer a supportive environment for your professional development. We provide access to industry-specific qualifications, regular supervision, team gatherings, and a strong sense of community within our organisation, all designed to enhance your career progression.
About the service
At Couthie House, we provide long-term residential care and support to three young boys, with autism and other intellectual and physical disabilities who cannot stay in their family homes. Our nurturing environment focuses on individual needs and life skill development, creating a stable and safe space for young people to grow, make meaningful choices, and build resilience.
The young individuals in our care exhibit behaviours that may challenge. We understand behaviour as a form of communication and strive to interpret the messages it conveys. Through dedication and insight, we provide the necessary support to encourage positive communication.
We collaborate with CAMHS LD (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for Learning Disabilities) and our Behaviour Consultant to design and implement personalised support plans. Our core aim is to guide each young person toward realising their full potential.
How you’ll create brighter futures
Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker are;
- Taking the lead on support plans, keeping risks under review, and making sure everything stays on track.
- Working with the team and other agencies, pulling together family information, and writing clear, thoughtful reports.
- Being part of reviews, professionals’ meetings, and any court‑related work when needed.
- Supporting young people day‑to‑day, helping with all parts of their daily lives and being a steady, positive presence.
- Communicating well and building good relationships with young people, working well with colleagues, and engaging confidently with other professionals.
Let’s talk about you
Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We’re looking for someone with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our team. Ideally you’ll have:
- Experience building trust — you’ve worked in a care setting before and know how to form positive, supportive relationships.
- Good communication with families — you’re comfortable using different approaches to keep young people and their families involved and informed.
- A solution‑focused mindset — you look for ways forward when problems come up, whether you’re working on your own or with the team.
- Emotional resilience — you can stay calm, grounded and reflective when the role becomes challenging.
- A Level 3 qualification — or you’re happy to work towards it within two years. We’ll fully support you to achieve it.
Why Action for Children?
Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.
We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.
Will you join us?
Contact: If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13507
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.
Want to get to know Action for Children better?
Job description
Action for Children Employee Benefits
AfC Commitment Statement
Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services
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