Senior Residential Childcare Worker
Locations: Edinburgh (Corstorphine), Gorebridge & Fauldhouse
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Lead, Support and Inspire
At Horizons Residential Care, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing home where they can feel secure, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and motivated Senior Residential Child Care Workers to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced residential childcare professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping high-quality care and positive outcomes for children and young people.
As a Senior Residential Child Care Worker, you will combine direct care responsibilities with leadership and mentoring duties, helping to create a therapeutic home environment while supporting the development of colleagues and maintaining excellent standards of care.
The Role
Working closely with the management team, you will help lead day-to-day operations within the home, ensuring children and young people receive consistent, child-centred, and trauma-informed support.
You will act as a positive role model, promoting best practice, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing high-quality therapeutic care and support to children and young people
- Acting as a senior member of the residential team and leading by example
- Supervising, mentoring, and supporting Key Workers and Residential Child Care Workers
- Acting as a Case Manager and overseeing care planning, reviews, and outcomes
- Monitoring and maintaining high standards of practice, recording, and safeguarding
- Supporting quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Building positive and professional relationships with children, families, social workers, education providers, and partner agencies
- Contributing to staff development through observation, coaching, and constructive feedback
- Supporting the management team with the smooth running of the home
- Promoting a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment where children can thrive
Salary & Earnings
- £14.25 – £17.00 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience
- Fully qualified candidates (HNC, SVQ3 & SVQ4): minimum £15.00 per hour
- Typical annual earnings: £34,500 – £40,220, including sleepover payments
- Fully qualified staff can expect annual earnings from approximately £35,972
Additional enhancements include:
- Enhanced pay for Christmas and New Year shifts
- Sleepover allowance
- Attendance and referral bonus schemes
Working Pattern
The role includes a combination of:
- Full-day shifts
- Sleep-in duties
- On-call responsibilities
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, public holidays, and other unsocial hours is essential.
Rotas are planned in advance to support work-life balance and operational requirements.
We are looking for experienced childcare professionals who can demonstrate strong leadership potential alongside a commitment to delivering exceptional care.
You will thrive in this role if you are:
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
- An effective role model who leads with integrity and professionalism
- Confident supporting, coaching, and developing colleagues
- Skilled at building positive and trusting relationships
- Calm, resilient, and able to make sound decisions under pressure
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- Organised, accountable, and focused on achieving positive outcomes
A full UK driving licence is desirable.
We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement but can demonstrate the right values, relevant experience, leadership potential, and commitment to professional development.
Qualifications & Registration
Essential:
- SVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People (or equivalent)
- SVQ Level 4 in Children & Young People (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards
- Ability to meet Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements
Desirable:
- HNC Social Services or Health & Social Care qualification
- Previous supervisory experience within a residential childcare setting
Training & Career Development
At Horizons Residential Care, we invest heavily in the development of our people.
You'll have access to:
- Comprehensive induction programme
- CALM theory and practical training
- Leadership and supervisory development programmes
- Specialist online learning platforms
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Support to achieve further qualifications
- Clear progression pathways into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager positions
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £14.25-£17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Will you need employer sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom?
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- SVQ 3 in Children & Young People (or equivalent) (required)
- UK Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
