Children and Families Practitioner

Elovate Systems Inc.; Dalkeith; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Scotland is seeking an experienced Children and Families Practitioner to support Care Experienced Young People in their transition to independence. The role involves providing high-quality Aftercare support, working with children and families, and applying relevant legislation and interventions. Candidates must have an HNC in social care and a minimum of SVQ Level 3. The position is fixed term until June 2026, offering a competitive salary of £39,128.74 per annum for 36 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Educated to HNC social care and SVQ Level 3.
• Experience working with policy and legislation relevant to children.
• Knowledge of child development and trauma-based interventions.

Responsibilities

• Support Care Experienced Young People in their transition.
• Provide Aftercare support to young people.
• Deliver high-quality support and interventions.

Skills

Working with children and families

Knowledge of systemic interventions

Behavioural Interview skills

Education

HNC social care

SVQ Level 3 (children and young people)

Job description

Job Vacancy

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Children and Families Practitioner to join our dynamic team at Midlothian House Project whilst the current post holder is on maternity leave.

Midlothian House Project supports Care Experienced Young People in the transition from their current care placement into their own permanent property whilst providing high quality generic "Aftercare" support.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Educated to HNC social care and SVQ Level 3 (children and young people) or equivalent with a relevant discipline.
• Experience of working with the national and local practice, policy, procedure and legislation relevant to the post. This includes an awareness of the SSSC Code of Practice, Human Rights legislation, United Nation Convention of the Rights of Child and getting it right for every child.
• Have experience of working with children and families including child development, and trauma based interventions.
• Knowledge and understanding of a range of systemic interventions and methodologies, such as attachment promoting, trauma based therapy, child development and parenting capacity.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of key agencies.

Knowledge (Desirable)

• Experience of delivering parenting programmes or other group work.
• Specialist experience of working with children and families in crisis or at risk.
• Behavioural Interview skills.

CLOSING DATE - Tuesday 6th January 2026

INTERVIEW DATE - Friday 16th January 2026

Job Advert

Position Title: Children and Families Practitioner

Directorate: Children, Young People and Partnerships

Location: Eskdaill Court

Contract Status: Fixed Term until 30/06/2026

Hours of Work: 36 Hours per Week

Working Pattern: Mon - Fri

Weeks per year: 52

Based on 36 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £39,128.74 per annum.

Requirements

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

Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults. 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.

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 to discuss with member of the Recruitment Team 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.