Job Description
Duty Officer x2
The Good Shepherd Centre, Renfrewshire (Shift-based)
£42,000
The Good Shepherd Centre (GSC) is a close support environment and a Scottish charity that proves a secure and intensive service for vulnerable children and young people and is based in Renfrewshire. Its therapeutic, trauma-informed approach is underpinned by deep, meaningful relationships between staff and young people helping them to feel safe, grow in confidence, and work towards a more positive future.
GSC is now seeking to appoint a Duty Officer a central and highly valued role that supports the daily safe and smooth running of the Centre. With wide-reaching operational responsibilities, the Duty Officer works at the heart of the team, helping to ensure consistent care delivery, effective coordination, and a calm, supportive environment for all.
The Role
The Duty Officer plays a vital role in overseeing Centre-wide operations on a shift-by-shift basis. Positioned within the control room, they act as a key coordination point for teams across the organisation monitoring activity, supporting staff, managing incidents, and ensuring systems and protocols are followed consistently.
This is a dynamic and varied role with no direct line management or care planning responsibilities, but with significant influence across every part of the Centre s daily life. From staffing and safety to transport and emergency response, the Duty Officer is the glue that holds operational threads together helping to keep everything running smoothly, safely and with integrity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring staffing, movements and safety systems across the Centre
- Responding to alarms, managing serious incidents and leading initial debriefs
- Coordinating daily operations including visits, transport and activities
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring consistent documentation
- Conducting regular Health & Safety inspections
- Liaising with internal teams and external professionals
- Supporting the wider leadership team in ensuring a high-quality, person-centred environment
The Duty Officer works a structured shift pattern across a four-week cycle, with two full weekends off, and is part of a small team of 3 4 Duty Officers who meet regularly and form part of GSC s wider operational management team.
The Person
This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced, varied environment and who brings calm, confidence and clarity under pressure. Experience in residential child care is highly desirable, though candidates from other parts of social care such as community services will also be considered where they demonstrate strong operational awareness and a sound understanding of trauma-informed care.
Essential:
- HNC in Social Care and SVQ Level 3 (or equivalent qualifications recognised by the SSSC)
- Eligible for registration as a supervisor in residential child care
- Strong understanding of safe care practices and experience working in a regulated environment
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment in complex situations
Desirable:
- SVQ Level 4 (or willingness to work towards support provided)
- Background in residential child care
- Experience managing shift operations, safety protocols or emergency procedures
Why Join GSC?
This is a unique opportunity to step into a pivotal role within a warm, supportive organisation known for its strong values and high standards. The Good Shepherd Centre offers a positive and respectful working environment, with beautiful grounds, a calm atmosphere, and deep professional relationships across teams.
Duty Officers are valued members of the leadership group, with potential progression opportunities as the Centre.
You can contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role.
Closing date for applications: Friday 11th July 2025
