Jobs in St Andrews, Fife

Options in Life is a Fife-based charity supporting young adults with autism, learning disabilities, and additional support needs. We deliver engaging social inclusion and skills development programmes that help individuals build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships.

Role Summary

We are recruiting motivated and enthusiastic Support Workers to join our Recreation Programme, supporting young adults to take part in a wide range of community-based activities.

This is a dynamic and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will actively take part in activities while providing person-centred support to help individuals engage, achieve and enjoy new experiences.

You will support our Recreation Programme groups, who take part in full-day outings and activities each week.

The focus of the programme is to:

• Build confidence and independence
• Encourage social interaction and friendships
• Support individuals to try new and exciting experiences

This role involves being active, engaged, and hands-on, supporting individuals in real-world environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support service users to safely participate in a wide range of activities
• Encourage individuals to try new challenges and develop confidence
• Promote teamwork, inclusion, and peer support within the group
• Provide appropriate support tailored to individual needs
• Help create a safe, positive and enjoyable group environment
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, families, carers and other professionals
• Respond calmly and effectively to changing situations throughout the day

Activities May Include

• Outdoor and adventure activities such as:
  • Kayaking
  • Rock climbing
  • Cycling
  • Zip lining
• Social and recreational outings
  • Visits to zoos, farms and animal parks
  • Science centres and museums
• Group-based activities in community settings
  • Arts and crafts
  • Tenpin bowling
  • Minigolf/footgolf

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, or communication needs
• Understands autistic spectrum conditions
• Is confident, enthusiastic, and proactive
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Is patient, empathetic, and supportive
• Is reliable, non-judgemental, and respectful
• Can think on their feet and respond to unexpected situations
• Enjoys being active and working outdoors or in varied environments

Physical Requirements

Due to the nature of the role, you should be:

• Physically active and able to participate in outdoor/adventure activities
• Comfortable demonstrating activities where required to support learning and engagement

Additional Requirements

• This role is subject to an Enhanced PVG check
• A full driving licence is desirable
• Drivers may be asked to drive the organisation’s minibus (training will be provided)

Our Commitment

Options in Life is committed to:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults
• Providing an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in both employment and service delivery

Options in Life is a Fife-based charity supporting young adults with autism, learning disabilities, and additional support needs. We deliver a social inclusion and skills development programme through structured weekly activities, helping our service users build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

We are seeking a warm, motivated and reliable Support Worker to join our In-House Recreation Programme on a one-day-per-week basis.

The group meets weekly at our Cupar base (10:00am – 4:00pm). There may also be opportunities to work additional ad hoc hours, including evenings or other activity days.

This is a hands-on and rewarding role where you will actively participate in a wide range of activities while supporting young adults to engage, develop skills, and enjoy positive social experiences.

What You’ll Do

You will:

• Support and engage service users in a variety of structured activities, including:
  • Arts and crafts
  • IT sessions
  • Gardening
  • Cooking and baking
  • Light physical activities (e.g. yoga, Zumba, walking)
  • Group discussions and games
• Encourage individuals to try new activities and build confidence
• Promote teamwork, inclusion, and positive peer relationships
• Provide encouragement and appropriate support tailored to individual needs
• Help create a safe, fun and welcoming environment for all participants
• Communicate effectively with families, carers, and other professionals

At the heart of this role is helping individuals have fun, build friendships, and reach their potential.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, or communication needs
• Has a good understanding of autistic spectrum conditions
• Communicates clearly, respectfully and effectively
• Is patient, empathetic, and genuinely caring
• Is enthusiastic and able to take initiative
• Can respond calmly and confidently to unexpected situations
• Works well as part of a team while also showing leadership when needed
• Is reliable, non-judgemental, and committed to person-centred support

Additional Requirements

• This role is subject to an Enhanced PVG check

Our Commitment

Options in Life is committed to:

• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults
• Providing an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in both employment and service delivery

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.