Advertised from 12 August 2026

Role

A fantastic opportunity to join the Children First team in Midlothian

Every child deserves to be safe, loved and well with their family.

At Children First, we stand alongside children, young people and families to help them build on their strengths, overcome challenges and create lasting change. We believe children should be heard, their rights respected and their voices at the centre of every decision that affects them.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Midlothian team, supporting children, young people and families experiencing a range of challenges, including parental substance use, poverty, poor mental health and trauma. The service also provides support to kinship carers and the children in their care, as well as Armed Forces families.

Working alongside families in their homes, schools and communities, you will be part of a skilled and caring team that delivers both whole family and individual support. Our practice is grounded in relational, systemic, strengths-based and restorative approaches. We recognise that families are experts in their own lives and work alongside them to identify what is working well, build resilience and create positive futures for children.

Alongside one-to-one and family support, we help families develop meaningful connections through peer support groups and links to their local communities, strengthening the relationships and networks that help children thrive.

About you

We're looking for someone who:

• Shares our commitment to putting children first and upholding children's rights.
• Understands the importance of listening to children and ensuring their voices influence the support they receive.
• Has experience of working with children, young people and families, including involvement in child protection processes.
• Values restorative, relationship-based and strengths-focused ways of working.
• Can work alongside families with compassion, curiosity and respect.
• Brings an understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of families across our communities.

We welcome applications from people with broad experience across family support, as well as those with specialist knowledge in particular areas of practice.

You will hold a professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as Social Work, Teaching, Childcare, Social Care, Counselling, or another related field at SCQF Level 9 or above.

Why Children First?

Children First is Scotland's national children's charity. We are ambitious for every child in Scotland to grow up safe, loved and well with their family. We provide emotional, practical and financial support to children and families and campaign tirelessly to protect and uphold the rights of every child.

We are determined that the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) becomes a reality in children's everyday lives. We want children to be listened to, respected and meaningfully involved in decisions that affect them.

If you believe in the power of relationships, the strengths within families, and children's right to be heard, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Values

Living our values, you will help create a workplace where our people can thrive, ensuring we deliver the best possible support to children and families.

• With love, we put children first.
• With purpose, we transform lives together.
• With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.

Application notes

If you share our values and are passionate about supporting our people, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 26th August 2026

Interview Date: 3rd September 2026

Contact: For more information, email midlothian@childrenfirst.org.uk or contact Johnny or Lauren on 0131 6549540

To apply, please click here.

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