Residential Support Worker

Action for Children; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent children's charity is seeking a full-time Residential Support Worker to join their team in Edinburgh. This role involves supporting children and young people aged 5-21 with learning disabilities, facilitating their personal growth and independence. The ideal candidate will have experience in a care setting and will hold or be willing to earn a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. A positive, resilient attitude and strong communication skills are essential to help create brighter futures for vulnerable children.

Benefits

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Professional qualifications and training opportunities

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Experience in a care setting helping young people with learning disabilities.
• Ability to create trusting relationships with those supported.
• Prepared to work towards Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare if not already attained.

Responsibilities

• Lead case management including risk assessment.
• Coordinate multi-agency responsibilities and produce reports.
• Support young people in daily activities.
• Communicate effectively with young people and their families.
• Implement solution-focused strategies in care.

Skills

Communication skills

Solution-focused thinking

Resilience

Relationship building

Ability to engage with young people

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent

Job description

• Locations Gilmerton Road Short Breaks Service
• Apply Before 01/21/2026, 11:55 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Salary £25,500 per annum

Role Description

Location:Edinburgh

Contract/Hours:Permanent / We have Full Time and Part Time hours available. Hours include evenings and weekends

Closing date for applications is midnight of 21 st January and interviews are scheduled for 28 th and 30 th January

29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave

Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities

Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages

Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover

Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.

We are a Real Living Wage Employer.

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.

A bit about the role

We’re excited to share a wonderful opportunity for experienced care professionals to join us as a Residential Support Worker. This role is perfect for those who want to build on their skills and continue their career journey with our support.

As a Residential Support Worker, you’ll be at the heart of helping children and young people aged 5–21 with learning disabilities and behaviours that may challenge, to feel safe, supported, and encouraged. You’ll create an environment that empowers them to grow in confidence, build resilience, and enjoy new experiences. With a person-centred approach, strong social care values, and a caring attitude, you’ll be a positive role model who makes a real difference.

Day to day, you’ll help young people make the most of their short breaks, developing skills, socialising, and gaining independence. You’ll also spend time out in the community, whether that’s a trip to the beach, an afternoon at the zoo, or simply enjoying playtime in the park. Alongside this, you’ll work closely with CAMHS ID and our Behaviour Consultant to create thoughtful, consistent support plans that bring clear outcomes for each child.

In return, we’ll make sure you feel supported too. You’ll receive a thorough induction, ongoing training, and enrolment in the qualifications you need to succeed with us. Regular supervision, team meetings, and peer support will help you feel part of a welcoming team. As you gain experience and qualifications, you’ll be ready to continue to take the next steps in your career with us.

Howyou'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker roles are;

• Providing lead case/care planning management, including assessing,reviewingand managing risk.
• Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
• Helpingyoung peoplein all aspects of their daily lives.
• Havinggood communicationskills and the ability to engage well with both young people,colleaguesand other professionals.
• Being a creative thinker and having a solution focused approach.

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:

• Have spent time working in a care setting and know how to build real, trusting relationships with the people you support.
• Be confident using different ways to communicate and stay connected with the young person and their family, making sure everyone feels included and informed.
• Naturally look for solutions, whether you’re figuring something out on your own or working things through with the team.
• Be able to stay calm, steady, and supportive, even when the role brings moments that feel a bit tougher than usual.
• Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent)orif you do notpossessthis you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years ofcommencingemployment with us, full support will be provided.

Good to know

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisrole.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

Weactivelyencourageapplications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within