Care Assistants - Edinburgh

Erskine Veterans Charity; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity for veterans is seeking Care Assistants to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment. The role involves personal care, supporting residents with complex needs, and promoting independence through activities. Applicants should be compassionate and possess strong communication skills. Previous care experience is desirable but not mandatory, as training will be provided. This position offers competitive pay, a welcome bonus, and additional benefits including enhanced annual leave and a staff pension scheme.

Benefits

Welcome bonus of £500

28 days annual leave plus 5 public holidays

Employer pension contribution

Flexible working considered

In-house Occupational Health Service

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Previous care experience is desirable but not essential.
• Able to work under supervision and use initiative.
• Membership of the Scottish Social Services Council required within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care activities such as washing and dressing.
• Support residents' psychological and social needs.
• Encourage participation in activities and promote independence.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Patience and understanding

Education

SVQ II in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Care Assistants – Erskine Edinburgh Home, Gilmerton

23 or 34.5 hours per week, 2 or 3 days over 7.

Our service is provided in a 24/7, 365 days environment: shifts include weekends & bank holidays.

Our standard shifts are 12½ hours (includes unpaid break) and are rotational between Day Shift and Night Shift.

Day Shift: 07:30 – 20:00.

Night Shift: 19:30 – 08:00.

Grade 2 Salary – £25,601 to £25,707 (pro rata) per annum.

Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026.

Working for Erskine

ERSKINE is an iconic Scottish charity, formed in 1916, dedicated to Veterans and their families. At Erskine, we work as a dedicated team to ensure that Veterans of all ages are cared for to the highest standards in a beautiful, fun-filled environment made up of two care homes and a Veterans Village of cottages, an activities centre and apartments.

Working in social care can be demanding, but rewarding and fulfilling. You will be making an incredible difference to the lives of our residents and their loved ones at a critical time. We value skills and qualifications, but prize kindness and compassion above all.

Our team is crucial to providing the best care possible, and we recognise and reward our employees with benefits including employer pension contribution, great career opportunities and enhanced annual leave.

If you are kind and committed, you do have what it takes to be part of the team here at Erskine. The ultimate aim is exceptional care and support to our ex‑service community.

The Role

Be compassionate! Be exceptional! Be a Care Assistant for Erskine Veterans Charity.

As a Care Assistant at Erskine, you will work under the supervision of senior care staff to provide the highest quality of care to our residents who have wide-ranging and complex needs including dementia. This demanding role involves varied duties; no day is the same. You will support residents with personal care activities such as washing, personal hygiene, dressing and assisting with meals. You will also care for their psychological and social needs, promoting independence and personal choice while encouraging participation in our wide range of activities.

You should have a kind, warm, caring nature, be patient and understanding, and be able to work well as part of a team while also using your own initiative. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential as you will be required to update records, write reports and liaise with residents, relatives and staff.

Previous care experience is desirable along with SVQ II in Health and Social Care or SVQ Social Service and Healthcare SCQF Level 6, but it is not essential. You will be required to achieve this qualification, and Erskine will support you through this. You will also be responsible for ensuring you are a member of the Scottish Social Services Council within 3 months of joining Erskine.

We offer competitive rates of pay, a staff pension scheme and enhanced annual leave entitlement.

Benefits

• Dayforce Wallet – employees can request up to 90% of earned pay on-demand between pay periods.
• Successful candidates receive a welcome bonus of £500 (pro rata for part time) paid in instalments – £250 after 3 months service and £250 after 6 months.
• 28 days annual leave plus 5 public holidays, increasing to 33 days per year, with 1 additional day for every 5 years.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Reimbursement of professional care fees.
• Structured induction programme.
• Flexible working considered.
• Opportunities for training & development.
• Enhanced sick & maternity pay.
• In-house Occupational Health Service.
• Free on-site parking.
• Health and wellbeing scheme.
• Blue Light Card.

Please note

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Erskine is unable to provide sponsorship. If selected for interview, you will receive an invite by email (please check spam/junk mailbox).

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland Check. If a candidate has resided in the UK for less than five years and lived or remained in a country for six months or more, in addition to a Disclosure/PVG, they will be asked to complete a criminal records check via HireRight.

Please apply online at erskine.org.uk/careers. If you require the application in another format, please contact the HR Department on 0141 338 6304.

Erskine is an Equal Opportunities Employer.