Jobs in Liberton & Gilmerton, Edinburgh

No child should face hospital alone

Are you passionate about supporting young people through life’s toughest moments?

We’re looking for a compassionate and creative Young People and family Support Officer to join our Children’s Wellbeing Service and help shape a new approach to wellbeing care in hospital.

If you thrive in emotionally complex environments, love building meaningful relationships, and want to make a real difference to children, young people and families, this could be the role for you.

Some of the things you’ll be doing:

In short, you’ll join a team of Family Support Officers and Youth workers working across the hospital, including oncology, mental health services and long term admissions, offering emotional support, practical help, and a calm, creative space for children, young people and families, bringing our mission to life and ensuring no child faces hospital alone.

More specifically, you’ll:

• Support children and young people experiencing distress and trauma, helping them feel safe, heard and empowered.
• Build strong relationships with families and hospital staff to identify those most in need of support.
• Deliver creative wellbeing activities using evidence-based approaches like the PACE model and ECHC’s bespoke Changemaker and Gamechanger programmes.
• Champion the rights of children and young people, ensuring they feel informed, included and in control throughout their hospital journey.
• Signpost and advocate connecting families with relevant services and speaking up on their behalf when needed.
• Evaluate impact gather data and feedback to help shape the future of our wellbeing services.

Let’s talk about you:

Must haves –

Proven experience supporting children, young people, and families, you're confident working directly with those who need it most.

Strong communicator with excellent listening skills.

Self-starter and team player, you can prioritise effectively, take initiative, and collaborate to meet shared goals.

Resilient and grounded, you stay calm and compassionate, even in emotionally challenging and traumatic situations.

Professional and approachable, you understand the importance of setting and maintaining healthy, respectful boundaries.

Nice to haves –

An understanding of trauma informed approaches, with a compassionate, sensitive response to children and families’ experiences.

Experienced in co-creation, you’ve designed and delivered services in genuine partnership with children, young people, and families, making sure their voices shape the support they receive.

Well connected and informed, you have knowledge of local and national services and know how to guide families toward the help they need.

Detail focused, you’re experienced in keeping accurate records, gathering data to show impact, and using it to inform and improve practice.

Why ECHC?

Working at ECHC is anything but ordinary. This isn’t just a youth work or family support role, it’s a unique opportunity to stand beside children and families during some of their toughest times, and to make a meaningful, lasting difference in their lives.

You’ll join a team of passionate, supportive colleagues who truly believe in our mission and in each other. We’ll trust you to lead with heart, think creatively, and yes, even have fun along the way.

We’ve got bold plans for the future, and we’re looking for someone just as driven and visionary to help grow our Children’s Wellbeing Services and take them to the next level.

Still reading? If you made it this far, we think there’s a strong chance you might be our kind of person. Even if you don’t tick every box, we want to encourage you to introduce yourself. Apply today.

Who we are?

Teens+ provides post school education and lifelong learning services for young people with complex communication needs including autism and learning disabilities.

The service is person centred and individualised to ensure each student, regardless of their needs, can reach their fullest potential.

Where are we?

We currently have centres in Edinburgh (Liberton Brae, Ravenscroft and McDonald Road, Leith) and in East Lothian, Musselburgh.

This vacancy is for the McDonald Road Centre, Edinburgh.

Purpose of the role!

The Education Supervisor is a key member of the centre’s management team, responsible for leading and supporting staff, overseeing the delivery of high-quality education, and contributing to the overall running of the centre.

The role involves providing effective supervision and people management, working alongside the Centre Manager to manage the staff team and ensure consistent, values-led practice. In partnership with the Education Tutor, the Education Supervisor oversees education delivery to ensure all learning is individualised, meaningful, and aligned with each student’s abilities, needs, and future goals.

The Education Supervisor plays an active role in communication with students, families, and professionals, ensuring a collaborative approach to support and outcomes. They also support the operational management of the centre, including designated compliance responsibilities, ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks and organisational standards.

Confident in decision-making, the Education Supervisor will contribute to the day-to-day leadership of the centre, including deputising in the absence of the Centre Manager, and supporting wider organisational priorities and continuous improvement.

Who are we looking for?

The successful applicant will have proven experience of working with adults with additional support needs using a person-centred approach.

You will be a confident leader, working closely with the Centre Manager, coaching and leading the staff team to meet the needs of the service, deliver high standards of performance, and create a positive and supportive environment for both staff and students.

You will understand how to connect with the local communities and offer opportunities for development and growth to the students.

You will consistently adhere to the organisation’s values, acting as a positive role model at all times by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect in your day-to-day practice. You will lead by example, promoting a positive culture, encouraging collaboration, and inspiring others to uphold the standards and behaviours expected across the organisation.

You will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, and must be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.

You will be able to communicate effectively 1:1 as well as to groups of people.

Ideally you will have had a level of management experience and previous background in education delivery would be advantageous.

The successful applicants will require membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Scheme.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.