Residential Child Care Worker
Location: Scotland- Ayrshire
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Employer: Compass Child and Family Services (Compass CFS)
Make a Difference Every Day
Compass Child and Family Services is a Scottish charity providing therapeutic care, support and intervention for children and young people who have experienced trauma.
Our residential homes provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments where children can build trusting relationships, recover from adversity and achieve positive outcomes. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.
If you're passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As a Residential Child Care Worker, you'll become an important part of a dedicated therapeutic team supporting children and young people in a family-style home.
Using everyday experiences, routines and relationships as opportunities for growth and healing, you'll help young people build confidence, independence and resilience while ensuring they feel safe, valued and cared for.
Every day is different, and every interaction has the potential to change a young person's future.
Key Responsibilities
- Build warm, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people.
- Provide high-quality therapeutic care within a safe, nurturing home.
- Support children with daily routines, education, health appointments, hobbies and community activities.
- Encourage independence, emotional wellbeing and life skills.
- Act as a Key Worker, supporting care planning, reviews and individual goals.
- Safeguard children and respond appropriately to any concerns or incidents.
- Work in partnership with families, schools, social workers and other professionals.
- Complete accurate, child-focused records and reports.
- Participate in team meetings, reflective supervision and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming home environment including cooking, household tasks and supporting young people with daily living skills.
- Drive or accompany children to appointments, education and activities where required.
About You
You'll be someone who:
- Is compassionate, patient and emotionally resilient.
- Believes every child deserves to feel safe, respected and valued.
- Has experience working with children or young people in residential care, education, youth work, family support or another relevant setting.
- Understands trauma-informed practice, safeguarding and child development.
- Can remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging situations.
- Is an excellent communicator and enjoys working as part of a supportive team.
- Is flexible and able to work a rota including evenings, weekends, public holidays and sleepovers or waking nights.
Essential Requirements
- Hold (or be willing to work towards) an SSSC-recognised qualification for Residential Childcare.
- Be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), or willing to register within the required timescales.
- Be eligible to join the PVG Scheme.
- Be able to meet the practical and physical requirements of residential childcare.
- Full UK Driving Licence (desirable).
What We Offer
- A rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference every day.
- Competitive salary.
- Sleepover allowance of £65.70 for every sleepover worked. Permanent staff can typically expect to work an average of 8 sleepovers per month, providing an additional average monthly allowance of approximately £525.60.
- Comprehensive induction and structured onboarding.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Reflective supervision and clinical support.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.
- A supportive and experienced management team.
- Training in trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches.
- A workplace where your wellbeing and professional development are valued.
Safer Recruitment
Compass Child and Family Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory PVG Scheme membership, references, right-to-work checks and safer recruitment procedures.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds whose values align with compassionate, relationship-based care.
Join us and help create brighter futures for children and young people across Scotland. Apply today.
Pay: £27,976.00-£29,120.00 per year
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
