Care Support Scotland is recruiting a Senior Support Worker to join its established team in Dalkeith. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social care professional who is passionate about supporting people to overcome challenges, build stability, and progress towards independent living.
The role involves working within a fast-paced support environment, requiring a flexible and dynamic approach to problem-solving. You will support individuals with complex needs while promoting equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice, and providing guidance to colleagues when required.
Applicants should have previous experience in social care and demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills. You must be able to work confidently under pressure and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
An SVQ Level 3 in Social Care is required, or a willingness to work towards this qualification. Ongoing training and development are supported to help you progress within the organisation.
Visa sponsorship may be available following the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period, subject to meeting UK immigration requirements. Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application.
Position: Senior Support Worker
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: 14.03 GBP – 14.17 GBP (Hour)
Location: Dalkeith
Description
Care Support Scotland
We are a charity with decades of experience supporting people across Scotland, providing those who need us with support that ranges from Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity, Youth and Adult Homelessness and Older People services. Guided by our values of Respect and Compassion, we empower both the people we support and our colleagues to Thrive every day
Why work with us?
At Care Support Scotland caring isn’t just a job — it’s who we are. Join our dedicated team and help transform lives while growing your own career.
- Pension contributions matched up to 6%
- Financial Flexibility – Access your wages as you earn them with our Earned Wage Access benefit.
- Employee Assistance Programme through HSF
- Contribution to HSF Health Plan – supporting your everyday health needs
- Generous annual leave – 33 days including public holidays, increasing with service
- Supportive absence policies to help when you need time off
- Death in Benefit Cover – 2x annual salary
- Support with funded qualifications
- Career development and progression opportunities
Who are we looking for?
Are you passionate about supporting people to overcome challenges, build stability, and move towards independent living? Do you have experience in social care and a commitment to equality and inclusion? If so, we want to hear from you.
We’re recruiting a Senior Support Worker to lead frontline delivery of personalised, high-quality, and compassionate support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. You’ll be part of a dedicated team delivering tenancy support, housing management assistance, and wellbeing services tailored to individual needs.
About the Service
29 St Andrews Street works with young people aged 16 – 25. The service can support people who have a range of complex needs. Many residents have experienced relationship breakdown and trauma, and some are care-experienced. It is specifically tailored to meet the needs of young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing homelessness.
The service is designed around trauma-informed practice, and the staff team works to harm reduction principles. The service has staffing 24/7 to ensure that young people receive support whenever they need it.
Role and Responsibilities
- Apply your knowledge of best practice, codes of practice and current regulations in the social care sector and ensure the provision of a high quality and socially inclusive service
- Manage and co-produce support plans and contribute to support reviews
- Assist Service Managers and Team Leaders with service referrals and staff interviewing & selection procedures
- Take on the role of shift leader in the absence of the Service Manager
- Assist in managing a team of Support Workers by reviewing the delivery of support and ensure staff are following the correct policy and procedures.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Experience of providing support to people who have experienced homelessness, mental ill health, and drug and alcohol use.
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment which requires a dynamic approach to problem solving.
- SVQ3 in Social Care or willing to work towards.
- SSSC registered or willing to become so.
- Ability to use empathy and relational skills to build positive relationships within our community and with colleagues.
- An understanding of and ability to work within ethical and relational boundaries.
Desired Skills and Attributes
- Experience of working with a range of agencies as a team
- Networking and skills making meaningful connections
- Awareness around Trauma Informed Practice
- ASSIST/Mental Health First Aid trained
- Naloxone trained
- Knowledge and understanding of the causes of homelessness, substance use and mental health including Attachment Theory and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
- Understanding of services that support homelessness, substance use and mental health.
- Experience in line managing a team.
Additional Notes
Shift work, weekend work may be a requirement of this role.
PVG scheme membership & SSSC registration are requirements of this post
Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK.
We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward if a suitable candidate is identified.
Applications close on: 8th February 2026
Care Support Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity
Right to Work Information
Please note that from July 2025, Home Office rules require individuals switching into certain care roles under the Health and Care Skilled Worker route to have worked lawfully for the sponsoring employer for three months before switching visa type. Our recruitment process can take up to 12 weeks, which candidates should consider when applying.
As an organisation we do not consider candidates for visa sponsorship until the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period. Applicants must All offers are subject to satisfactory right-to-work checks and Home Office requirements.
Company Overview
At Care Support Scotland, we’re dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives every single day. With over 30 years of experience, we have built a trusted reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality social care that empowers individuals to live with dignity, independence, and choice. From our base in Edinburgh and the Lothians, we work alongside people from all walks of life—supporting those who need help with housing and homelessness prevention, individuals with learning disabilities and neurodiverse needs, older people requiring care and companionship, and anyone seeking guidance to navigate life’s challenges. Our approach is person-centred: we don’t just provide care, we listen, understand, and tailor our support to each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. By doing so, we ensure that the people we support are not only cared for, but truly valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive within their communities
Application Process
APPLY ON THE EMPLOYER’S WEBSITE
Application Deadline
February 8th, 2026