Job Description

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Description

Harmeny Education Trust

is a sector-leading children's charity providing therapeutic care and education for children with complex additional support needs. We work with children aged 5 to 18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis, referred by local authorities throughout Scotland.

We are currently seeking a

Social Educator

to join our Education Team on a

full-time,

ongoing employment

basis

to work within a classroom setting supporting a class group in the formal education setting providing learning support, promoting engagement within the classroom and other learning environments.



The post holder will be able to plan and offer therapeutic experiences to them and small groups across the education and care setting, providing a strong link to the children's cottages and building relationships with parents, carers and families. Experiences of supporting children with Additional Support Needs would be beneficial.

Social Educators are required to work 35 hours per week. This position is on a 52-week contract and the 7 weeks holiday are mostly to be taken within the school holidays.



The salary for the post ranges from 27,746 and 30,287 ( subject to a 2025/2026 pay award) and is dependent on qualifications.


The successful applicant will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner on the register for children and young people workforce in residential child care services. A driving licence allowing the use of our vehicles is essential.

Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children's play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available.

We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance, staff development and security. Benefits include:On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy Free gym membership and cycle to work scheme Access to a wellbeing app and counselling Access to discounts on shopping and events.
All staff receive a comprehensive induction package, and access to a range of learning and development opportunities throughout their career with us.

More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs. Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

If you would like to find out more about this rewarding opportunity, please contact

Linda Burke

, Education Manager (Pupil Support) on 0131 449 3938.

To apply

, please complete the application form via our recruitment section at www.harmeny.org.uk/jobs or by telephone on 0131 4493938.

Closing date:

12 May 2025

Interview date:

22 May 2025

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Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny's vision, purpose and core values.

Support the Education Management Team (EMT) with the implementation of the School Improvement Plan, Harmeny Strategic Plan and Harmeny policies and procedures.

Be an integral part of the Education team and develop solid working partnerships with the wider Harmeny community.

Provide support to children during transitions throughout the school day and support individuals outwith the classroom when agreed by EMT.

Communicate with education and care colleagues, parents/carers and a range of other professionals to ensure coherent working and positive outcomes for children.

Communicate and interact positively with children using solution-focussed & strengths-based principles in line with Harmeny policies, procedures and core values.

Develop and implement care plans as part of the child's key team, which address the needs of the child.

Involved in the development and implementation of risk assessment planning for children.

Implement physical intervention techniques (where required).

Provide learning support within the classroom and other environments, following the guidance of Classroom Teachers and EMT.

Promote children's engagement with learning, through building positive relationships and encouraging children to remain 'on task'.

Support the delivery of the curriculum, specifically designed to meet the individual educational, care and therapeutic needs of children, in line with national policies such as CfE and GIRFEC.

Deliver direct individual or group work as guided by the Service Manager (Education Support) or EMT.

Prepare classroom teaching resources, maintain audio-visual and ICT equipment and assist with the layout and tidiness of the classroom.

Ensure whole-school educational equipment, resources and spaces are maintained to an excellent standard, with responsibility for overseeing a specific resource area.

Provide administrative support, including the maintenance of accurate records, filing and photocopying.

Support the development of children's Personal Learning Planning and help children work towards individual goals and targets.

Gather evidence for individual plans and through preparation of displays.

As a valued member of a child's key team, participate in regular reviews and submit written reports on individual children as requested.

Attend regular staff meetings as required. To ensure that all children's personal records are kept up to date within the database.

Be flexible within the timetable and working patterns at the discretion of the Service Manager (Education Support) or EMT.

Attend supervision, APR, training and other meetings as required.

Participate in residential trips and holidays when required.

Safely drive children and staff to and from outings, activities and external meetings via minibus or fleet vehicle.

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Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

A relevant qualification in line with the Scottish Social Services Council (the SSSC) registration requirements for practitioners on the register for children and young people workforce in residential child care services (e.g. HNC, SVQ, etc.)

Knowledge and understanding of children who are Looked After and Accommodated and children with complex Additional Support Needs.

Ability to contribute to raising the standards of attainment and achievement for children with complex Additional Support Needs.

Knowledge of child development, childcare legislation, the Scottish curriculum and relevant policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the residential childcare sector.

A working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence.

Understanding of children's behaviour and need to encourage positive and appropriate behaviours, through the use of effective strategies which recognise the complex behaviours of children at Harmeny.

Experience in residential work and / or childcare and / or within an education setting.

Understanding of the 'duty of care' to children and colleagues.

Understanding of the practice issues of 'physical intervention' and ability to undertake such physical intervention when required.

Experience, skill and commitment to working within a multi-disciplinary setting.

A commitment to Children's Rights and participation of children and their families.

Good communication skills, both written and oral.

Good organisational and administrative skills and computer literate.

A full driving licence and the ability to drive fleet vehicles and transport children as required.

Desirable

Evidence of further training in therapeutic work with children and young people.

Knowledge of social pedagogical approach.

Knowledge and experience of organising and delivering children's activities/group work and/or supporting children's learning.

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Benefits

Competitive salary 35 days' holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays Pension scheme Life assurance scheme (three times salary) Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption and paternity leave Policies and practices that promote health and wellbeing, including massage therapy and access to wellbeing spaces Access to comprehensive training and development opportunities
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About Harmeny Education Trust

Harmeny Education Trust is a charity that provides care and education to remarkable children from all over Scotland who've had a challenging start in life. Our therapeutic services enable children to discover the wonders of childhood, and develop the skills and resilience to lead happy and fulfilling lives.