Job Description
Residential Social Worker
Salary: £40,130 – £43,182 (FTE)Location: North AyrshireEmployment Type: PermanentDivision: Children & FamiliesHours: 40 hours per week (Full Time)
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Residential Social Worker for our client based in North Ayrshire
You will be working directly with children and young people as part of a supportive, skilled residential team. This is a hands-on, practice-focused position where you will build trusting relationships, support daily routines, and respond to the individual and collective needs of the home.
Alongside direct care, you’ll use your professional social work expertise to contribute to assessments, care planning and decision-making. You will be a steady, reliable presence—someone who offers guidance, models trauma-informed practice, and supports colleagues through complex situations. Strong recording, reporting and reflective practice underpin this role, ensuring every young person receives high-quality, consistent care.
Key Responsibilities
Your day-to-day work could include:
* Building safe, trusting relationships with children and young people in a residential setting
* Holding key-worker responsibilities, including completing assessments, care plans and written reports
* Leading practice during shifts, supporting decision-making, risk assessment and problem solving
* Coaching and supporting colleagues to embed relational, trauma-informed approaches
* Contributing to child protection discussions and decisions as needed
* Working collaboratively with families, social work teams, education and partner agencies
* Participating in looked-after reviews, hearings and multi-agency meetings
* Helping maintain a stable, predictable and well-managed home environment
About You
Our client is looking for a qualified Social Worker who is confident working within a residential environment and values staying close to direct practice. You will bring sound judgement, empathy and emotional resilience, and be comfortable supporting both young people and colleagues in a variety of challenging situations.
This role operates within a 24/7 service, so flexibility is essential—including availability for evening and weekend shifts. You’ll be someone who thrives as part of a consistent team, contributing to a supportive culture grounded in relational and trauma-informed practice.
What You Will Need
* BA Social Work or equivalent recognised qualification
* Experience within Children and Families services
* Registration with the SSSC and commitment to the Codes of Practice
* Ability to complete high-quality assessments, care plans and reports
* Full manual driving licence and confidence driving pool vehicles
* Good IT skills, including Microsoft 365
* PVG membership (or willingness to join)
* Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends