Locum Children Services Practitioner - Various Locations within Midlothian

Job Vacancy

Midlothian’s Residential Services are looking for enthusiastic; positive and person-focussed Children Services Practitioners to join us as part of our casual Locum Team. As a Locum worker you will be expected to cover shifts for staff absence in both of our houses at Woodburn Court and Ladybrae House.

Experience of working within a Young Person’s Residential Setting is desirable as is specialist experience of working with children and young people in crisis or at risk; this may include children at risk of harm, looked after children, children affected by disability, care experienced young people and young people who offend. The post holder will be working with some of most vulnerable young people in the locality who may have experience significant childhood trauma. As a result the main focus of the role will surround the building of trusting and positive relationships through the delivery of relational based activities and experiences.

You will have direct experience of working with children and their families, as well as having a depth of knowledge in approaches such as Trauma Informed Practice, Relational Based Practice, Child Development and Attachment. You will be familiar with the SSSC Code of Practice, Human Rights legislation, United Nation Convention of the Rights of Child, getting it right for every child and the Promise.

Travelling is integral to this role and you will be required to travel across Midlothian either using public transport, or your own car if appropriate, as required.

The jobholder will undertake training specified within the Houses training & staff development plan in relation to the administration of medication.

If you are a team player, committed to delivering excellence and improving outcomes for children and young people in Midlothian, then we want to hear from you.

 

KNOWLEDGE

 

You must be educated to a minimum of HNC in Health and Social care and SVQ Level 3
(children and young people) or equivalent with a relevant discipline for registration with theSSSC. You must have previous experience of working with young people in a residentialsetting and a commitment to continued professional development.
You will have a sound knowledge base in relation to working with children and young people,and in the using a relationship based trauma informed approach which promotes positive attachments.

Travelling is integral to this role and you will be required to travel across Midlothian either using public transport, or your own car if appropriate, as required.

The jobholder will undertake training specified within the Service training & staff development plan in relation to the administration of medication

CLOSING DATE - Sunday 16th August 2026

INTERVIEW DATE -  Monday 24th August 2026

Job Advert

Position Title: Locum Children Services Practitioner

Directorate: Children, Young People & Partnerships

Location: Various Locations throughout Midlothian

Contract Status: Locum

Hours of Work: Various hours per week

Working Pattern: Various

Weeks per year: 52

Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.

The minimum actual salary for this position is £21.56 per hour.

Requirements

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.

Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk

Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.

PLEASE NOTE:

If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email the Recruitment Team at recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk stating the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.