qualified level 1 childcare workers jobs

Residential Childcare Worker

Locations: Edinburgh (Corstorphine), Gorebridge & Fauldhouse
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities Available

Make a Difference Every Day

At Horizons Residential Care, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing home where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their potential.

We're looking for caring, resilient, and committed individuals to join our team as Residential Child Care Workers. Whether you're starting your career in childcare, bringing valuable transferable skills, or looking for your next opportunity in residential care, we'll provide the training, support, and development you need to succeed.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, positively influence young lives, and develop a rewarding long-term career.

The Role

As a Residential Child Care Worker, you will provide high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people living in our residential homes.

Working as part of a supportive team, you will help create a stable, therapeutic environment where young people can feel safe, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality care to children and young people
• Building positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing
• Supporting children and young people with their daily routines, education, health, and personal development
• Acting as a Key Worker and contributing to care planning and review processes
• Promoting positive behaviour, healthy boundaries, and meaningful experiences
• Working collaboratively with families, social workers, education professionals, and other agencies
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to safeguarding practices
• Supporting children to achieve their individual goals and aspirations

Salary & Earnings

• £13 – £15.50 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience
• Qualified Residential Child Care Workers (HNC & SVQ3): minimum £14.00 per hour
• Typical annual earnings: £30,772 – £37,021, including sleepover payments
• Qualified staff can expect annual earnings from approximately £33,890

Additional enhancements include:

• Enhanced pay for Christmas and New Year shifts
• Sleepover allowance
• Attendance and referral bonus schemes

Shift Patterns

Full-Time Positions

• 24-hour shifts with an 8-hour paid sleepover
• Pattern of 3 x 24-hour shifts followed by 3 days off
• 9-week rolling rota planned well in advance

Part-Time Positions

• 12-hour shifts (10:00am – 10:00pm)
• 6-hour shifts (10:00am – 4:00pm or 4:00pm – 10:00pm)

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays is essential.

What We're Looking For

You will thrive in this role if you are:

• Compassionate, patient, and child-focused
• Resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Able to build positive and trusting relationships
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Motivated to learn, develop, and progress professionally

A full UK driving licence is desirable for all positions.

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement but can demonstrate the right values, attitude, transferable skills, and commitment to working with children and young people.

Qualifications & Registration

Essential or willingness to work towards:

• HNC Social Services, Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
• SVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People
• Ability to meet Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements

Training & Career Development

We are committed to investing in our people and supporting long-term career progression.

You'll have access to:

• Comprehensive induction programme
• CALM theory and practical training
• Specialist online learning platforms
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Support to achieve relevant qualifications
• Leadership development pathways
• Career progression opportunities into Senior, Deputy, and Management roles

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £13.00-£15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Which of our locations are you applying for, Edinburgh, Gorebridge or Fauldhouse?
• Will you need employer sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom?

Experience:

• residential childcare: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• SVQ3 in Children & Young People (or equivalent)? (required)
• Drivers Licence (required)

Work Location: In person