Children's Services Practitioner - MID07751

Midlothian Council; Dalkeith; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Midlothian Council is seeking a Children’s Services Practitioner to support young people in residential settings. You must hold an HNC in Health and Social Care and SVQ Level 3 (Children & Young People) with relevant registration.

Experience with young people and a commitment to professional development are essential. The role involves travel across Midlothian, potential medication administration training, and a 36-hour week in a 4-week pattern including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: HNC in Health and Social Care and SVQ Level 3 (children and young people) or equivalent with relevant discipline for registration with the SSSC.
• Experience of working with young people in a residential setting and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Knowledge of working with children and young people and using a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach.

Responsibilities

• Travel across Midlothian as required.
• Undertake training related to administration of medication.
• Work 36 hours per week in a 4-week rota including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Relationship-based practice

Willingness to travel

Education

HNC in Health and Social Care

SVQ Level 3 (Children & Young People)

Job description

Job Vacancy

KNOWLEDGE

You must be educated to a minimum of HNC in Health and Social care and SVQ Level 3 (children and young people) or equivalent with a relevant discipline for registration with the SSSC. You must have previous experience of working with young people in a residential setting and a commitment to continued professional development.

You will have a sound knowledge base in relation to working with children and young people, and in the using a relationship based trauma informed approach which promotes positive attachments.

Travelling is integral to this role and you will be required to travel across Midlothian either using public transport, or your own car if appropriate, as required.

The jobholder will undertake training specified within the Service training & staff development plan in relation to the administration of medication.

Closing Date - Tuesday 20th October, 2026

Interview Date - Week beginning Monday 28th October, 2026

Second Interview Date - Week beginning 2nd October 2026

Job Advert

Position Title: Children's Services Practitioner

Directorate: Children, Young People and Partnerships

Location: Midlothian Children & Families, Eskdail Court, Dalkeith

Contract Status: Fixed Term until 31/12/2027

Hours of Work: 36 hours per week

Working Pattern: 4 days over 7 days (9 hour shifts) including evenings and weekends

Week 1: Mon 12:40 - 22:00, Fri 12:40 - 22:00, Sat 08:40 - 18:00, Sun 08:40 - 18:00

Week 2: Mon 07:00 - 16:20, Wed 08:40 - 18:00, Thurs 12:40 - 22:00, Fri 08:40 - 18:00

Week 3: Tues 12:40 - 22:00, Wed 12:40 - 22:00, Thurs 08:40 - 18:00, Fri 07:00 - 16:20

Week 4: Mon 08:40 - 18:00, Tues 07:00 - 16:20, Wed 07:00 - 16:20, Thurs 07:00 - 16:20

Weeks per year: 52

Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.

Based on you working 36 hours over 52 weeks per year the minimum actual salary for this position is £40,500.03 per annum.

Requirements

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.

Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children, You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk

Once you have submitted your application and this has been processed you will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.

Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.