Job Description

Residential Support Worker (Nights)
Salary: £26,500 per annum
Location: Edinburgh
Contract/Hours: Permanent / Part Time – 30 hours per week. Nightshift is 9.15pm to 7.15am

Benefits:

Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
Option to compress hours; most of our team choose to work 37 hours across 4 days
A rolling 6 weekly work pattern so you can plan your days off well in advance
Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role

We’re looking for care professionals who want to keep growing, learning and building their careers with us. As a Residential Support Worker (Nights), you’ll play an important part in helping young people feel safe, supported and encouraged during their short breaks at night.

Your approach will be centred around the young person, using your values, compassion and understanding to help them get the most out of their time with us. You’ll be there to help them try new things, build confidence and develop independence in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful for them. You’ll also work alongside our clinical partners to help create consistent support plans that give each child the best possible experience.

And while you’re supporting the young people, we’ll make sure you feel supported too. You’ll get a full induction, ongoing training and the chance to work towards the qualifications you need. Regular supervision, team meetings and plenty of peer support will help you feel part of a friendly, welcoming team. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll be ready to take the next steps in your career with us.

About the Service

Gilmerton Road Short Breaks offers a safe, welcoming and nurturing space for children and young people aged 5–18 who have learning disabilities and behaviours that may challenge. Our aim is to give each young person a positive, meaningful short‑break experience where they can relax, have fun and feel truly supported.

During their time with us, young people are encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy opportunities that help them grow. Their short breaks might include time in the community — a trip to the beach, a visit to the zoo, or simply enjoying playtime in the park — as well as activities within the service that help them socialise, learn and gain independence.

We work closely with CAMHS ID and our Behaviour Consultants to create thoughtful, consistent support plans that meet each child’s needs and bring clear, positive outcomes. Everything we do is centred around providing a warm, structured environment where young people feel valued and understood.

Our team provides overnight reassurance and support, and all sleepover shifts are fully paid.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities of a Residential Support Worker (Nights) are;

Taking the lead in planning and coordinating care, including assessing needs, reviewing progress and managing risk in a thoughtful, supportive way, at night.
Helping bring different parts of the service together, working with other agencies and creating clear, helpful information for families, including written reports and analysis.
Taking part in professional meetings — such as reviews or court related work — and represent the needs and views of the young people with confidence and care.
Supporting young people in all areas of their daily lives, helping them feel safe, understood and encouraged, at night.
Communicating well with young people, colleagues and other professionals, building positive relationships through warmth and clarity, at night.
Thinking creatively and approach challenges with a calm, solution focused mindset.

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 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) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years of commencing employment with us, full support will be provided.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13335

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under-represented within Action for Children.

Men are currently under-represented within our Children Service roles. We’d like to change that. So, we really encourage men to apply for any of our Children Service roles.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services

Find us on Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.