About Aberlour

Aberlour is the largest solely Scottish children’s charity. Delivering more than fifty services, we work with children, young people and families, providing services and support in communities across Scotland.

We work with families to overcome the challenges they face, such as the impact of drugs and alcohol, growing up in and leaving care, poor mental health, living with a disability, experience of domestic abuse or the impact of poverty and disadvantage.

We offer compassionate support to families and support them in their journey to heal and grow. We have a strong record of using knowledge and evidence from our work to campaign for change and to improve the lives of children, young people and families across Scotland and champion the human rights of children, young people and families.

What we are looking for....

You will have knowledge of the current Scottish political system at a national and local level with awareness of social justice and anti-poverty policy in Scotland and key children’s policy areas, including the UNCRC and The Promise. You will have experience working in the third sector along with skills in research and analysis. You will have experience in writing briefings or policy papers, running seminars, conference and events, and addressing a range of audiences.

You will have the ability to think creatively, network successfully forming positive relationships and work in collaboration with others.

This is a full-time post working 37.5 hours per week. Hours of work can be worked flexibly, although there may be a requirement for some work in the evenings or at weekends. There is a 5% unsocial hours allowance included in the salary to accommodate this expectation.

Your work base can be flexible, we are able to support a mix of office and home working as required.

Please see the job description for further details about the role along with the required qualification level.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role please contact Martin Canavan, Head of Policy and Influencing on 07714 271700.

We also follow Data Protection Guidelines - Here is our privacy policy.

If you have any other queries about the job please e-mail jobs@aberlour.org.uk

Aberlour is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our service users and uses a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process including PVG Scheme checks to ensure this commitment is not compromised.

About Aberlour

Aberlour is the largest solely Scottish children’s charity. Delivering more than fifty services, we work with children, young people and families, providing services and support in communities across Scotland.

We work with families to overcome the challenges they face, such as the impact of drugs and alcohol, growing up in and leaving care, poor mental health, living with a disability, experience of domestic abuse or the impact of poverty and disadvantage.

We offer compassionate support to families and support them in their journey to heal and grow. We have a strong record of using knowledge and evidence from our work to campaign for change and to improve the lives of children, young people and families across Scotland and champion the human rights of children, young people and families. With funding from The Robertson Trust, we are delivering the Challenging Public Debt Project focused on influencing change in local public sector debt recovery policy and practice and its impact on low-income families across Scotland.

What we are looking for....

You will support our Senior Policy Lead to deliver our Challenging Public Debt Project helping to influence changes to local authority public debt recovery policy and practice. You will support and coordinate project activity to help achieve the identified aims of the project. You will maintain a children’s rights approach to amplifying the views and experiences of children, young people and families to inform, influence and develop the work of the project and support Aberlour’s wider policy, influencing and campaigning work.

You will have knowledge of the current Scottish political system at a national and local level with awareness of social justice and anti-poverty policy in Scotland and key children’s policy areas, including the UNCRC and The Promise. You will also have knowledge of areas of policy relating to money and debt advice and public sector debt recovery processes. You will have experience working in the third sector along with skills in research and analysis. You will have experience in writing briefings or policy papers, running seminars, conferences and events, and addressing a range of audiences.

You will have the ability to think creatively, network successfully forming positive relationships and work in collaboration with others.

This is a part-time post working 18.75 hours per week (half time). Hours of work can be worked flexibly, although there may be a requirement for some work in the evenings or at weekends. There is a 5% unsocial hours allowance included in the salary to accommodate this expectation.

Your work base can be flexible, we are able to support a mix of office and home working as required.

Please see the job description for further details about the role along with the required qualification level.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role please contact Martin Canavan, Head of Policy and Influencing on 07714 271700.

We also follow Data Protection Guidelines - Here is our privacy policy.

If you have any other queries about the job please e-mail jobs@aberlour.org.uk

Aberlour is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our service users and uses a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process including PVG Scheme checks to ensure this commitment is not compromised.

Are you committed to delivering best practice to support children and young people with complex needs?

Are you ready to use your experience and skill to shape practice in delivering quality services to children and young people?

Do you feel excited about the opportunity to take your first step towards a management position?

If so, this is a great opportunity for you.

About Aberlour Options Fife – Glenrothes Continuing Care

At Aberlour we listen to understand what our young people want and need within our local area. As such, our Options Fife Continuing Care services in Glenrothes support young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live and thrive within the local community.

What we are looking for....

As someone who has built up experience working in residential childcare, you will have the confidence to guide and direct the provision of care to the children and young people in the service. You will play a pivotal role, working in partnership with parents and families to meet the emotional and physical needs of children and young people with complex disabilities.

When on shift, you will play a lead role, mentoring and supporting staff and being a role model, delivering excellence in the services we provide. You will assist in assessing, planning and delivering services, taking responsibility for ensuring that assessment and interventions are prepared, monitored and evaluated.

Engaging positively with children, young people and families you will plan and implement appropriate support for the children and young people. Sensitive and accurate reporting is a key responsibility and so you will have good written communication skills and the ability to learn how to use effectively, Aberlour’s recording system: Dynamics.

This role offers the opportunity to consolidate and build on your experience combined with the ability to enhance your skills and knowledge through training, for example, in Dyadic Developmental Practice.

As part of the management team you will play an active role in ensuring that shift duties are delegated and completed in accordance with service guidance.

Senior Young People’s Workers will work a Residential Rota 2.5 x 12.5 hours shift direct care of their role on shift and 0.5 x 12.5 hours of their time working alongside the Service Manager on operational tasks and standardising practice. Overnight sleep ins are part of the role, alongside an awake member of night staff.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Aberlour’s values are critical and drive everything we do. We will be looking for someone who can demonstrate how Aberlour’s values of Respect, Innovation, Integrity and Challenge will be visible in their practice. You must be comfortable working in an environment where Aberlour’s values are lived in practice.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

About Alternative Routes #Cashback

Our Alternative Routes service, funded by Cash Back for Communities, will work in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Council and other community partners to provide alternative routes to young people aged 10 to 25 who are involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our service will take a whole system approach and provide support through street work and group sessions within our community hubs in Dumfries, Annan and Stranraer. We will follow a whole family, whole community approach to ensure our young people and have increased opportunities to achieve their goals.

What we are looking for....

We are looking to recruit a Young People’s Workers to join our new Alternative Routes #Cashback Service who will work 18 hours per week based in Dumfries. These hours will be worked in line with the needs of the families and young people we will be supporting and will include evenings, weekends and public holidays. This post is currently funded until 31st January 2029 by CashBack for Communities, and we are actively seeking further funding.

We are looking for someone to join our team in who is passionate about supporting children and young people to secure the best possible outcomes as they live and grow within their communities. Our aim is to ensure that children, young people and families are supported to build on their strengths, assets and interests to develop enduring capacity and resilience. Applicants should be enthusiastic, energetic and committed and, working in a culture based on respect, integrity, innovation and the ability to challenge.

You will bring a fresh and collaborative approach and, in discussion with the management team be willing to try new approaches to ensure strong and trusting relationships are developed with families and stakeholders.

You will have relevant experience and a sound knowledge of working with young people and families within communities, including child/adult protection issues as well as having experience of working with children and young people with trauma. You will recognise the diversity of communities, how approaches differ in localities and how we adapt our approach to these changing environments. You will hold a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

About Alternative Routes #Cashback

Our Alternative Routes service, funded by Cash Back for Communities, will work in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Council and other community partners to provide alternative routes to young people aged 10 to 25 who are involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Our service will take a whole system approach and provide support through street work and group sessions within our community hubs in Dumfries, Annan and Stranraer. We will follow a whole family, whole community approach to ensure our young people and have increased opportunities to achieve their goals.

What we are looking for....

We are looking to recruit a Young People’s Workers to join our new Alternative Routes #Cashback Service who will work 30 hours per week based in Stranraer. These hours will be worked in line with the needs of the families and young people we will be supporting and will include evenings, weekends and public holidays. This post is currently funded until 31st January 2029 by CashBack for Communities, and we are actively seeking further funding.

We are looking for someone to join our team in who is passionate about supporting children and young people to secure the best possible outcomes as they live and grow within their communities. Our aim is to ensure that children, young people and families are supported to build on their strengths, assets and interests to develop enduring capacity and resilience. Applicants should be enthusiastic, energetic and committed and, working in a culture based on respect, integrity, innovation and the ability to challenge.

You will bring a fresh and collaborative approach and, in discussion with the management team be willing to try new approaches to ensure strong and trusting relationships are developed with families and stakeholders.

You will have relevant experience and a sound knowledge of working with young people and families within communities, including child/adult protection issues as well as having experience of working with children and young people with trauma. You will recognise the diversity of communities, how approaches differ in localities and how we adapt our approach to these changing environments. You will hold a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

“Our Children and young people have fun, feel loved & included, and go home with a smile.”

Join Our Team at Options Aberdeen

Options Aberdeen is a unique service created through a dynamic partnership between Aberlour and Aberdeen City Council. We deliver a flexible range of support—residential short breaks, care at home, and care in the community—tailored to meet the needs of children and young people with complex disabilities.

When families trust us with their child’s care, they know we provide a safe, nurturing, ‘home-from-home’ environment. This gives parents the chance to recharge while their child enjoys new experiences, builds confidence, and makes lasting friendships.

Working with us is not about quick fixes—it’s about making a real difference over time. You’ll help children achieve small, meaningful steps that lead to life-changing progress. It’s challenging work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Why join Options Aberdeen?

Impact that matters: Every day, you’ll make a positive difference in the lives of children and families.

Career development: We’ll support you to consolidate your skills and build new ones, opening doors to future opportunities.

Team culture: Be part of a respected service with a strong reputation for excellence.

Variety and growth: No two days are the same—you’ll gain experience across residential care, community support, and family engagement.

If you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want a role where your contribution truly counts, we’d love to hear from you.

Family feedback:

“Aberlour Options Aberdeen for us has been a godsend. Our lives have changed at home. They listen to your views and try and help with whatever is the problem.” Parent.

What We’re Looking For

Are you ready for a new challenge and the chance to build on your existing skills? At Options Aberdeen, you’ll join an inclusive, supportive team where your development matters. Our experienced Lead Practitioners will provide guidance and mentoring to help you grow in confidence, enhance your skills, and deliver outstanding care for the children and young people we support.

We welcome individuals who can bring their own experience and expertise to complement our team. But if you’re just starting your career in social childcare, you’ll also be a valued addition. In return for your commitment and hard work, we’ll invest in your training and development so you can thrive in your role.

We are looking for candidates with enthusiasm, motivation and a caring nature with a commitment to working in a child-centred, outcomes-focused way. Candidates will have a collaborative approach and the ability to contribute to care and support plans that make a real difference. We are particularly interested in candidates with healthcare experience and skills to support children and young people with complex health needs in their own homes. This post is worked as part of a rota and includes, evenings, weekends and sleepovers.

Please note, due to the nature of this role, a full, valid driving licence is essential and the driving of service vehicles will be required. You must have held your licence for at least 12 months.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees

What We Offer

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity.

“The best way we can help a new baby is to ensure that their parent’s needs are met and their trauma attended to” - Dr Bruce Perry (2020)

About Tayside Perinatal Service

Aberlour has always seen the benefit of early intervention and are pleased to have received funding from Scottish Government to work supporting new parents pre and post birth. By working alongside new parents, we aim to facilitate recovery from problematic substance use and improve parenting capacity and confidence to positively impact on the outcomes for both parents and their new babies.

The service will work across 7 days per week operating within the hours of 8am to 8pm to flexibly meet the needs of the parents and families being supported. The work will cover prebirth to baby’s first birthday offering strength based whole family support.

What we are looking for....

We are seeking to recruit an Intensive Perinatal Support Worker, working 37.5 hours per week. Initial funding from Scottish Government is secured until 31st March 2027. This post will be based in Perth and Kinross. We are looking for candidates with a sound knowledge of child development and experience of working with individuals with problematic substance and/or alcohol use.

We encourage people to apply who have lived experience of alcohol or drug use, with a minimum of 2 years living in recovery, free from all drug use and problem drinking.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. Aberlour’s values are critical and drive everything we do. We will be looking for someone who can demonstrate how Aberlour’s values of Respect, Innovation, Integrity and Challenge will be visible in their practice. You must be comfortable working in an environment where Aberlour’s values are lived in practice. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

We also follow Data Protection Guidelines - Here is our privacy policy.

About Aberlour Guardianship Scotland

Guardianship Scotland is a specialist statutory service providing Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTG) to all unaccompanied asylum seeking children, victims of trafficking and children vulnerable to trafficking who arrive in Scotland. We deliver this in partnership with Aberlour and Scottish Refugee Council on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The children and young people we help in Guardianship have been through unimaginable traumas. Now, they must cope with being apart from their families in a strange, new country. They face language and cultural barriers, and they enter complex systems which include the welfare, asylum and trafficking processes which are very complicated, and it can be difficult for them to understand.

We support young people to understand these processes, stand by the young peoples’ side throughout these processes, support them to access the help they need and advocate when needed to ensure their views are clearly listened to. Our guardians support the young people to make informed decisions about their future and to settle into a new life in Scotland.

Could you be the person to support children to navigate complex processes and feel empowered throughout? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team.

What we are looking for....

We are looking to recruit a Guardian who will support our work in the Highlands and Moray. You will work from our Inverness office a minimum of two days per week with regular travel throughout Easter Ross and Moray and occasional travel elsewhere in Scotland. You will work 37.5 hours per week, these hours will be worked in line with the needs of the young people and service and may include evenings and weekends.

We are looking for candidates who have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 8 and has, or are prepared to work towards, Immigration Advisory Authority Level 2 Registration.

You will have experience of working with young people and children, dealing with child/adult protection issues, experience of advocacy work, as well as inter-agency and partnership working. Knowledge or experience of the asylum and National Referral Mechanism systems are desirable, though full training will be provided.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

Are you passionate, committed, resilient and have a good sense of person-centred approaches and values?

About Options Fife Lochwood Park

Aberlour Options Fife - Lochwood Park service, based in Kingseat, is a forever home for one young man who has complex needs. Our service is a safe space for not only our young man but for his family to spend meaningful time. Although there can be challenging behaviour, it is the small steps of progress that this young person makes daily that makes our work meaningful. We are looking for someone to join our small team, who is a patient and understanding person.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for a Young People’s Worker who will work 30 hours per week. You will work these hours as part of a residential rota including days, evenings, weekends and public holidays. Staff work on a 4-week rolling rota with 1 full weekend off, and a further Friday and Saturday off. Day staff can undertake occasional night cover and sleepovers, for which there is an additional sleepover payment of £67.

As a Young People’s Worker you will play a fundamental role in ensuring that our young person will have the best possible experience in working towards their objectives in line with their care plan, supporting them to progress within their individual outcomes. Whilst not without its challenges and demands, this is a highly rewarding role, where the work we do has a demonstrable impact on our young person's progress.

Using a person-centred approach, you will provide enabling support ensuring the highest level of physical, personal, and emotional care for our young person.

We are looking for candidates who have a passion with working with young people with disabilities. It is desired but not essential that candidates hold a relevant qualification at an SCQF level 7 or above. Due to SSSC requirements you will be required to gain qualifications after starting with Aberlour.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support, and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts

with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.

About Options Residential Fife

Our Options Residential Fife service is a full-time, residential care home offering long-term residential care for children and young people with complex learning and physical disabilities. We provide quality living for those children and young people who can no longer live at home.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for 2 Young People’s Worker’s ( 24 hours per week and 36 hours per week) to become part of our family. At Aberlour we feel that every child has the right to flourish and is at the heart of everything we do. As a Young People’s Worker, you will play a fundamental role in ensuring that our young people are working towards their goals. Not without its challenges and demands, this is a highly rewarding role. You will provide enabling support to ensure the highest level of physical, personal and emotional care to support your young people with different daily activities.

You will become part of a highly skilled and experienced team and will have a supported induction programme, with access to an extensive training programme which includes CALM training, Child Protection and Fire Safety.

Ideally, candidates will have social care experience and an understanding of complex needs and disability. You will hold, or be willing to work towards, a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above (for example: SVQ3 Care plus an HNC) together with relevant experience of working with children or young people. You must also be able to demonstrate awareness of the key elements of working with people affected by disability as well as an understanding of, and commitment to, young people’s rights.

Night shift hours start at 9pm and finish at 9 am. Shifts are scheduled on a rota basis issued in advance. Shifts will vary according to operational requirements. The role includes a combination of weekdays, weekends and public holidays.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.