Jobs in East Lothian

CAPS is looking for a new Collective Advocacy worker to add capacity to the work of this established collective advocacy project. The role is to ensure more people’s voices are heard by decision-makers locally and nationally. This post will increase access to Independent Collective Advocacy for people with mental health issues in Edinburgh. The group will continue to develop its own priorities by drawing on their experiences with a view to bringing about change and improving services.

This 3.5 day a week role will support and join the existing enthusiastic team of CAPS’ Collective Advocacy workers, who work across Lothian on eight different mental health related collective advocacy projects.

The role offers autonomy and flexibility. You should be friendly and approachable, with the ability to form trusting relationships with group members and colleagues. Some working from home is possible. This is a great opportunity to work with a dynamic independent advocacy organisation that’s making a real difference to people’s lives. Find out more about CAPS Independent Advocacy at:www.capsadvocacy.org

Familiarity with the experiences of this group is required. There will be a 4-month probationary period attached to this post. This post will be subject to membership of the PVG Scheme and appropriate check.

This post is a fixed term 35 hours per week contract until 31st March 2028.

Partners in Advocacy has established itself as one of Scotland's leading providers of independent advocacy, delivering exceptional advocacy services since 1998.

We are thrilled to present a wonderful opportunity within our children’s advocacy service nationwide throughout Scotland- “My Rights, My Say ”. As an independent advocacy worker, you will have the privilege of providing one-to-one independent advocacy to children and young people with additional support needs who are age 12 to 15 and support them to exercise their rights within education. Through this role, you will ensure that their voices are heard, enabling them to make informed choices, protect their rights and have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect their education and lives.

Please note that although this post is advertised as hybrid, the successful candidate will work from home or office if preferred with the need to travel to meet advocacy partners and as this is a nationwide service this could mean travel at times to all areas of Scotland.

Applicants should also hold a current driving licence and have access to a roadworthy vehicle for work use.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Partners in Advocacy takes pride in being a Disability Confident Employer, fully committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Partners in Advocacy are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to help us support the growth and sustainability of our organisation through community fundraising.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for a motivated and organised fundraiser to make a real difference by generating the vital funds needed to expand our work.

The post-holder will lead on planning, delivering, and evaluating a programme of community events, working creatively to engage individuals, volunteers, groups, and local businesses, as well as exploring opportunities to develop other areas, such as corporate fundraising and sponsorship, as part of our new strategy.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Partners in Advocacy takes pride in being a Disability Confident Employer, fully committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives?

Do you believe in strengths-based, person-centred support that helps people build confidence, resilience, and independence?

Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is looking for a Community First Worker to join our team at an exciting time of service and organisational redesign.

About the Role

This is not a standard support role.

You will work directly with individuals and families across East Lothian, supporting people facing poverty, isolation, and complex challenges.

At the same time, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Community First, helping us test new approaches, strengthen partnerships, and improve outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Provide person-centred support using a ‘What Matters to You’ approach
• Help people connect with community resources and opportunities
• Work alongside partners across health, social care, and the third sector
• Contribute to the redesign and development of the service
• Support improved outcomes through data and impact tracking

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people with complex needs
• Is passionate about community-based solutions and prevention
• Builds strong, trusting relationships
• Is adaptable, reflective, and motivated by making a difference
• Can work both independently and as part of a team

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking organisation shaping local services
• Play a key role in a transformational redesign
• Work in a supportive, values-driven environment
• Make a real impact in your community

Shape the Future of Communities in East Lothian

Join Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL)

Are you passionate about creating stronger, more connected communities?

Do you want to influence real change and ensure community voices are heard where it matters most?

Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is recruiting for high-impact roles at the heart of the third sector in East Lothian.

As the area’s Third Sector Interface (TSI), we play a vital role in supporting community organisations, developing volunteering, and ensuring that lived experience shapes local decision-making.

This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation making a tangible difference every day.

Influence, connect and amplify community voice.

This is a strategic and influential role where you will shape how the third sector is connected, represented and heard across East Lothian.

You will lead VCEL’s communications and engagement approach, ensuring that insight from communities informs decision-making at a local level.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and develop impactful communications and engagement
• Turn insight into compelling reports, briefings and messages
• Strengthen networks across the third and public sectors
• Ensure community voice is central to policy, planning and partnerships

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is an exceptional communicator with strong influencing skills
• Has experience working across sectors or in partnership environments
• Can translate complex issues into clear, engaging messages
• Is driven to improve outcomes for communities

Why Join VCEL?

At VCEL, you’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive and ambitious team working to create lasting change.

We offer:

• The chance to make a real impact in communities every day
• A role with visibility, influence and purpose
• Opportunities to build partnerships and shape local systems
• A commitment to supporting your development and wellbeing

Shape the Future of Communities in East Lothian

Join Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL)

Are you passionate about creating stronger, more connected communities?

Do you want to influence real change and ensure community voices are heard where it matters most?

Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is recruiting for high-impact roles at the heart of the third sector in East Lothian.

As the area’s Third Sector Interface (TSI), we play a vital role in supporting community organisations, developing volunteering, and ensuring that lived experience shapes local decision-making.

This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation making a tangible difference every day.

Make a direct difference in communities.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role where you will work alongside community groups, volunteers and partners to build capacity, strengthen organisations and support thriving local networks.

You’ll be at the frontline of community development — enabling ideas, supporting growth, and helping communities to flourish.

In this role, you will:

• Empower community organisations with practical support on governance, funding and development
• Champion and grow volunteering opportunities across East Lothian
• Build strong, trusted relationships and local networks
• Deliver training and support that strengthens community resilience

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings experience in community development or the third sector
• Builds credibility and trust quickly with a wide range of people
• Takes initiative and finds solutions in complex situations
• Is motivated by seeing communities succeed

Why Join VCEL?

At VCEL, you’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive and ambitious team working to create lasting change.

We offer:

• The chance to make a real impact in communities every day
• A role with visibility, influence and purpose
• Opportunities to build partnerships and shape local systems
• A commitment to supporting your development and wellbeing

Help Shape the Future for Unpaid Carers in East Lothian.

Are you passionate about supporting unpaid carers and making a lasting difference in your community?

Would you like to use your skills, insight and experience to help a local charity grow, strengthen and thrive?

Carers of East Lothian has been championing unpaid carers since 1996 — and as we celebrate 30 years of making a difference, we’re just getting started.

As a leading third sector organisation, we support, empower and amplify the voices of unpaid carers across East Lothian. With demand for our services growing and an ambitious new 5-year strategy launching, there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved.

Join our Board and help shape the next chapter of our journey — your experience, insight and passion could make a real difference.

Why Join Our Board?

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our charity. Working collaboratively with fellow Board members, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight to ensure we remain true to our mission and values.

You will:

• Help shape and influence our long-term vision and strategy
• Contribute to meaningful discussions at Board meetings
• Ensure strong governance and compliance with legal responsibilities
• Oversee financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Support and constructively challenge senior staff and volunteers
• Act as an ambassador, championing our work and building partnerships

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact in your community, develop your leadership skills, and gain valuable experience in charity governance. Previous Board experience is not necessary.

Who We are Looking For?

• An individual with commitment to the mission, vision, values and objectives of the charity
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Integrity and sound judgement
• Think and apply knowledge creatively and strategically
• Experience of or an understanding of the demands on unpaid carers

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are especially keen to hear from individuals who can bring diverse perspectives or lived experience connected to unpaid caring.

While we would particularly value skills in finance, law, fundraising, communications, or HR, enthusiasm, commitment and a genuine belief in our mission are just as important.

If you want to help create a stronger future for unpaid carers in East Lothian, we’d love to hear from you.

Carers of East Lothian is a values driven local charity making a real impact in the community supporting adults who care for family and friends. We have an excellent reputation, recently gaining recognition through the Carers Trust ‘Excellence for Carers’ Award and have recently secured the contract to deliver adult carer services across East Lothian for an initial two-year period and a total period of up to six years, to 2031. We are a Carer Positive Exemplary employer, as well as being Disability Confident Committed and a Living Wage employer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise Carer Support Workers and the Welfare Rights Coordinator.
• Support staff to manage caseloads effectively and provide guidance on complex cases.
• Triage new referrals and prioritise carers most in need.
• Allocate caseloads and monitor workload across the team.
• Support staff development through training, mentoring, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and audit case files to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with safeguarding and data protection standards.
• Implement quality assurance processes and address gaps in service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to organisational policies and best practice guidelines.
• Represent carers’ needs in local and national forums.
• Track team performance against KPIs and service targets.
• Produce reports on caseload management, service outcomes, and team effectiveness.
• Identify trends and recommend service improvements.
• Ensure staff follow HR policies and organisational guidelines.
• Build strong relationships with health, social care, and voluntary sector partners.
• Represent the organisation at meetings and advocate for carers.
• Contribute to service improvement projects and strategic planning.
• Work closely with the Innovation & Improvement Manager to promote best practice.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording for monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Maintain high standards of confidentiality and data protection.
• Follow CoEL policies including safeguarding and lone working.
• Participate in staff meetings and organisational development activities.

Carers of East Lothian is a values driven local charity making a real impact in the community supporting adults who care for family and friends. We have an excellent reputation, recently gaining recognition through the Carers Trust ‘Excellence for Carers’ Award and have recently secured the contract to deliver adult carer services across East Lothian for an initial two-year period and a total period of up to six years, to 2031. We are a Carer Positive Exemplary employer, as well as being Disability Confident Committed and a Living Wage employer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcoming visitors and responding to enquiries by phone, email and in person
• Managing referrals, correspondence, messages and office information
• Maintaining accurate client records and supporting updates to our database
• Booking carer clinic appointments (including Power of Attorney and Legal Advice sessions)
• Producing welcome letters and information packs
• Providing support for events, workshops and the Available Carer Support Worker (ACSW) rota
• Assisting with day to day finance administration and processing approved grants
• Supporting staff, volunteers and the Board when required
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, data protection and CoEL policies

What We’re Looking For:

• Organised, friendly and proactive administrator who thrives in a varied role.
• Able to adapt and re-prioritise in a busy office environment
• Confident in learning new system and skills within a set timeframe
• Excellent communication, listening and organisational skills.
• Confident working independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to equality, confidentiality and carer empowerment

Join our passionate team and play a key role in delivering exceptional visitor experiences at the Scottish Seabird Centre!

In this role, you’ll be the friendly face of our retail and information desk, helping visitors discover our unique range of local, nature positive and sustainable products while ensuring every interaction is warm, informative, and memorable. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with an interest in cause-based retail who loves connecting with people, thrives in a dynamic environment, and wants to contribute to our mission - saving seabirds, restoring seas and inspiring change.

Our retail and visitor centre operation plays a vital role in connecting people to nature and raising funds for our conservation and education programmes. If you want to help us do more for nature, and you’re a proactive team player with a knack for customer service and a keen eye for detail, we’d love for you to be part of our story.

The Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre (SSC) works to ensure that Scotland’s seas and coasts are alive with wildlife, celebrated and protected by all. We act to save seabirds and restore Scotland’s marine environment through conservation, learning, and unforgettable wildlife experiences:

Conservation – We manage internationally important seabird islands, including Bass Rock, which is home to one of the largest gannet colonies in the world, and Craigleith, where our community conservation project, SOS Puffin, has quadrupled the population of breeding puffins.

Learning – We seek to build an understanding of and a passion for the marine environment. Over 60,000 children and young people have engaged with our education programme.

Experience – We operate one of the leading nature visitor centres in the UK, welcoming over 170,000 visitors a year, and were awarded the Gold Green Tourism Award in April 2025.

Physical Requirements:

This role involves active, hands-on work, including standing and moving for extended periods. We welcome applications from all candidates and will consider reasonable adjustments to enable applicants with disabilities to perform the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist visitors: Be the first point of contact at our information and retail desk, providing friendly, knowledgeable support to visitors, inspiring them to join our charity and visit the Discovery Experience

• Curate and promote our gift shop:Help shape and showcase a thoughtful selection of local, nature positive and sustainable products, creating an inviting shopping experience that reflects our values and delights our customers.

• Maintain a vibrant retail space:Use your creativity to merchandise our shop beautifully, manage stock efficiently, and keep displays fresh and engaging for all who visit.

• Support shop operations: Assist with stock handling, deliveries, and inventory management, ensuring our shop runs smoothly and is always well-stocked with exciting products.

• Grow and help administer online shop: Contribute to the growth of our online shop by helping with content creation, promotion and order fulfilment.

• Work as part of a dynamic team: Bring your adaptability, initiative, and problem-solving skills to a varied and rewarding role, where no two days are the same.

Partners in Advocacy has an exciting opportunity for a new board member with an interest in independent advocacy.

We are seeking a Trustee who will have good interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to working as a team, an understanding of and commitment to our charity’s work, a broader knowledge of trends across the third-sector and the application of those to strategic work.

Partners in Advocacy welcomes applications from people with a disability, those with a minority ethnic background, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.