Aberlour
Aberlour

Charity registered in Scotland SC007991

Scotland's children's charity

 


Current vacancies

Residential Worker - Sycamore Inverness

  • Full time
  • £30,175 – £33,673
  • On site: Inverness
  • Closing 18th October 2026

About Aberlour Sycamore Inverness…

At Aberlour, we believe that every child deserves the chance to flourish regardless of their background and the circumstances that have brought them to live with Aberlour. The children we support are presently not able to live safely with their own families and many of them have suffered from trauma and loss in their young lives.

Our experienced team seek to create a comfortable home for them where they can grow and flourish, participating in educational and community activities to achieve their goals.

What we are looking for....

We are looking to recruit a Residential Worker to join our team in Inverness, you will work 37.5 hours per week working in a residential house which is home for up to five young people. Our Residential Workers support our young people, helping them to achieve and overcome the challenges they face. At Aberlour, we believe that every child deserves the change to flourish regardless of their background and the circumstances that have brought them to live with Aberlour. Working therapeutically with the young people our aim is to help young people to develop their confidence and self-worth and therefore to maximise their potential and opportunities for living fulfilled and happy lives.

As a Residential Worker, you will play a fundamental role in ensuring that our young people are working towards their goals through supporting them with different daily activities. These activities can include college, different hobbies and attending fun groups. Not without its challenges and demands, this is a highly rewarding role.

This service operates a residential rota and, as part of this, you will be expected to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and sleepovers. Shifts are set monthly, however may be altered to suit the needs of the service.

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. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity on our website.

Shortlist

Relief Young People's Worker Dis (Wakened Nights)

  • Part time
  • Sessional
  • On site: Prestwick
  • Closing 18th October 2026

D you have relevant experience of working with children and young people with a disability/and or autism or relevant experience in a similar sector or work environment?

About Options Ayrshire

Our Service is a busy respite care unit for children and young people with additional support needs, including complex learning and physical disabilities. As well as providing short residential breaks the service offers outreach to families and is also involved in the managing and running of an after school club as well as busy Easter and Summer play schemes.

Based in a quiet, residential street in Prestwick, our disability support service offers a safe, homely environment for a child to come and stay for a short break that gives their families a rest from their caring role. During that break, children enjoy a range of fun activities and experiences with our staff who specialise in taking care of children with disabilities. Our service is very much a ‘home from home’ for the children who stay with us.

What we are looking for...

Our relief workers play a crucial role in supporting our team. This work is offered on a casual, hourly paid basis to provide cover during staff absence and/or particularly busy periods. Shifts are worked on a rota basis - Some examples of shifts are: 9:45pm-8:45am (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 10pm-9am (Fridays), 9pm-9am (Saturdays) and 9pm-8:45am (Sundays).

We understand that applicants may have a number of other commitments however the ability to respond at short notice is an essential part of being a relief member of staff.

Ideally, candidates will have social care experience, an understanding of autism, complex needs and disability. You will be required to register with the SSSC under the Residential Child Care Workers category and the Day Care of Children Services category. You will hold, or be willing to work towards, the relevant qualification requirements for these categories (for example, a HNC and an SVQ 3, or equivalent). 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.

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. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees, please go to our website.

What we offer...

You will receive a planned and supported induction consisting of a varied training programme. You will be working alongside a highly motivated and skilled team. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity on our website.

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.

Applications are welcome from diverse ethnic minority and cultural communities, and under-represented faith and religious groups.

Shortlist

Young Peoples Worker Nights - Options Moray

  • Part time
  • £30,175 pro-rata
  • On site: Moray
  • Closing 19th October 2026

Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with a disability and or Autism?

About Options Moray

Aberlour Options Moray is a community-based service for children/young people with learning disabilities offering residential, short breaks, family-based care and community support matched with the individual needs of every young person.

What we are looking for....

We have an opening for a Young People’s Worker working nightshift on a permanent basis. Usual hours would be 33.25 hours per week working 4 nights on 4 nights off rota. Shifts are from 10pm - 7.30am.

Individuals need to bring a range of qualities to the role including being playful, warm and accepting and must be able to adapt their practice to appropriately meet the varying individual needs of each young person. This role can be challenging but is also immensely rewarding and provides postholders with rich opportunities to develop their own practice and understanding of the needs of children and young people with disabilities.

You must be comfortable working in a culture based on respect, integrity, innovation and the ability to challenge - both yourself and other people. We support our staff to be as effective as they can be through dedicated training and supervision. In return our staff act as exceptional role models supporting the children and young people, as well as sharing knowledge and learning with colleagues. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

Ideally, you will have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above or be willing to work towards this requirement as per SSSC registration.

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. Find out more about our Employee Benefits here and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

Shortlist

Young People's Worker (22.5hrs) - Options Aberdeen

  • Part time
  • £30,175 pro-rata
  • On site: Aberdeen
  • Closing 19th October 2026

“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. 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 here and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

Please also read our recruitment privacy notice - Aberlour | Privacy notice.

Shortlist

Residential Worker - Sycamore Inverness

  • Part time
  • £30,175 pro-rata
  • On site: Inverness
  • Closing 25th October 2026

About Sycamore Inverness

At Aberlour, we believe that every child deserves the chance to flourish regardless of their background and the circumstances that have brought them to live with Aberlour. The children we support are presently not able to live safely with their own families and many of them have suffered from trauma and loss in their young lives.

Our experienced team seek to create a comfortable home for them where they can grow and flourish, participating in educational and community activities to achieve their goals.

What we are looking for....

We are looking to recruit a Residential Worker to join our team in Inverness, you will work 28 hours per week working in a residential house which is home for up to five young people. We have a core team of Residential Workers who support our young people, helping them to achieve and overcome the challenges they face. At Aberlour, we believe that every child deserves the change to flourish regardless of their background and the circumstances that have brought them to live with Aberlour. Working therapeutically with the young people our aim is to help the young people to develop their confidence and self-worth and therefore to maximise their potential and opportunities for living fulfilled and happy lives. As a Residential Worker, you will play a fundamental role in ensuring that our young people are working towards their goals through supporting them with different daily activities. These activities can include college, different hobbies and attending fun groups. Not without its challenges and demands, this is a highly rewarding role.

This service operates a residential rota and, as part of this, you will be expected to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and sleepovers. Shifts are set on a monthly basis, however may be altered to suit the needs of the service.

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.

Shortlist

Young Peoples Worker (35hrs) - Options Moray

  • Part time
  • £30,175 – £33,673 pro-rata
  • On site: Elgin
  • Closing 22nd October 2026

Previous applicants need not apply

Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with a disability and or Autism?

About Options Moray

Aberlour Options Moray is a community-based service for children/young people with learning disabilities offering residential, short breaks, family-based care and community support matched with the individual needs of every young person.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for a Young People’s Worker, to work 35 hours per week on a permanent basis. The team work no more than 4 days before a day off and currently have every second weekend off. Rotas are designed around the needs of the young people we care for and ensuring the wellness of the practitioners we employ. Late shifts are 2.00pm to 10.00pm. Early shifts are 7.30am to 2.30pm. Overnight sleep ins are part of the role, alongside an awake member of night staff. Shifts can be subject to change as and when required for the needs of the service.

Individuals need to bring a range of qualities to the role including being playful, warm and accepting and must be able to adapt their practice to appropriately meet the varying individual needs of each young person. This role can be challenging but is also immensely rewarding and provides postholders with rich opportunities to develop their own practice and understanding of the needs of children and young people with disabilities.

You must be comfortable working in a culture based on respect, integrity, innovation and the ability to challenge – both yourself and other people. We support our staff to be as effective as they can be through dedicated training and supervision. In return our staff act as exceptional role models supporting the children and young people, as well as sharing knowledge and learning with colleagues.

Ideally, you will have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above, or be willing to work to this requirement as per SSSC registration.

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.

Please also read our recruitment privacy notice - Aberlour | Privacy notice.

Shortlist

Relief Residential Worker - Sycamore Fife

  • Part time
  • Sessional
  • On site: Locations across Fife
  • Closing 29th October 2026

About Sycamore Fife

The Aberlour Sycamore Services are based in Fife and are widely recognised in Scotland for providing a range of quality therapeutic residential, education and fostering experiences for some of the most vulnerable young people in the country. The Service is a national resource and as such receives referrals from throughout Scotland.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for people to join our relief pool who are passionate about supporting children and young people. The children and young people who live in our houses have experienced significant trauma in their young lives and our aim is to create loving, nurturing family homes where they feel safe and cared for.

Our relief workers play a crucial role in supporting our teams. This work is offered on a casual, hourly paid basis to provide cover during staff absence and/or particularly busy periods. Work will be offered across our four residential houses in Fife – two of these are in Kirkcaldy, one in Dunfermline and one in Glenrothes.

Members of our relief pool have a varied range of backgrounds and often work in different areas of the workforce. Although experience in child-care is ideal, we would also like to hear from people who may have skills from their work experience in different sectors which would be transferrable and provide a good basis from which to learn and develop their skills, utilising the range of training we provide.

Find out more information on what we are looking for in candidates on our website.

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.

Shortlist

House Manager

  • Full time
  • £46,132
  • On site: Kirkcaldy
  • Closing 29th October 2026

About Aberlour Sycamore Children’s Houses

Aberlour Sycamore Services’ vision is to provide warm, loving homes for children where everyone learns, laughs, grows into their future and is treasured always. We have a strong ethos of values and a culture that enables us to Be Brave and to Keep the Promise of involving the children and young people as fully as possible in taking decisions that affect their lives.

We are looking to appoint a House Manager who will join our strong and thriving residential child care community in Aberlour.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a passion for supporting vulnerable children to achieve the best possible outcomes in their lives. The successful candidate will have the drive, determination and cultural values to be able to lead their team to empower the children and young people to make the changes which will ultimately transform their lives.

We want someone who believes that children living in a children’s house are deserving of love and someone who will support the team to ensure that our children are able to live fulfilling lives without having restriction imposed on them in their every day lives.

The person we choose to join us must have experience of working in and leading practice in a children’s house and must be visible to the team and children to ensure that the vision and values are lived every day – this will include working evenings and weekends.

Our homes provide a rich environment that provides safety, relationships, growth and healing for the children and adults who live and work there. To achieve this the successful candidate must have knowledge about developmental trauma, how this will have impacted children’s early life experiences and understand how to lead a team to ensure that every response a child receives takes account of their trauma.

A comprehensive support package focussed on achieving excellence in practice is provided to all of our teams and the successful candidate will also receive clinical supervision, provided externally to support their professional practice development and well-being.

Find out more information on what we are looking for in candidates on our website.

If you share our vision of Being Brave for every child and young person and Keeping the Promise and you have the skills and passion required to meet the challenges of this role we look forward to hearing from you. Have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees.

For an informal discussion please phone Lynne Reid, Head of Admissions and Programmes on 07854958137.

Ideally, candidates will have experience of leading a team within a residential child care environment involving a residential shift rota. You will be required to have or be willing to work towards the qualifications for being a manager in a residential childcare facility: a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 9 or above plus a management qualification at SCQF level 8 or above.

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 have any queries 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.

Shortlist

Supervising Social Worker - Fostering

  • Full time
  • £41,050 – £44,018
  • Remote: Scotland wide (home based with access to offices for team meetings)
  • Closing 29th October 2026

Are you passionate about helping vulnerable children and young people to have the best opportunities to fulfil their potential? Do you believe that children have the right to live within a safe family environment where they get the care, support and encouragement they need to flourish?

If so, the role of Supervising Social Worker may give you a perfect chance to fulfil these aims.

About Aberlour Fostering

Our Fostering Team is home based, with access to offices for team meetings. We are a National Fostering Service, so this role requires travel to be able to meet with foster carers and other agencies.

What we are looking for....

With trauma informed practice at the heart of our work, Aberlour has a strong reputation, built over 20 years, for providing fostering services for vulnerable children and young people in Scotland. As a Supervising Social Worker, you will be responsible for recruiting, assessing and supervising a group of Foster Carers. This role is crucial, bringing together the needs of looked after children and young people and support and management of Foster Carers, liaising with the placing Local Authority. Your work with the Foster Carers will have a direct impact on the children and young people that they foster and so the role is key in supporting the Foster Carers to provide the right environment and support for the child/young person they foster. You will also contribute to the delivery and development of the Fostering Service. Evening and weekend work may be required, and you will be part of an on call rota.

“Aberlour Fostering is 5 Star. As we have taken a child under our wing, Aberlour has taken us under theirs. We feel part of a team, one big family with the same common goals and values. Working together with amazing people, we feel supported and valued” - one of our current foster carers

We are looking for people who:

  • Have a recognised social work qualification
  • Register and maintain an appropriate professional registration with the SSSC as a social worker
  • Have experience of working within Children's services
  • Have an understanding of fostering and the current legislation framework
  • Hold a full UK driving licence

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 here and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.

Please also read our recruitment privacy notice - Aberlour | Privacy notice.

For an informal discussion, please contact Kerryanne Duffin, Service Manager, on 07815 839567 (not available on Wednesdays).

Shortlist

Form F Assessors - Fostering

  • Part time
  • Sessional
  • On site: Central Scotland
  • Closing 12th November 2026

Are you passionate about helping vulnerable children and young people to have the best opportunities to fulfil their potential? Do you believe that children have the right to live within a safe family environment where they get the care, support and encouragement they need to flourish?

If so, the role of Independent Form F Assessor may give you a perfect chance to fulfil these aims.

About Aberlour Fostering

Our Fostering Team is home based, with access to offices for team meetings. We are a National Fostering Service, so this role requires travel to be able to meet with foster carers and other agencies.

What we are looking for....

With trauma informed practice at the heart of our work, Aberlour has a strong reputation, built over 20 years, for providing fostering services for vulnerable children and young people in Scotland. As an independent Form F Assessor, you will undertake comprehensive Form F assessments of prospective Foster Carers in accordance with fostering legislation and guidance, and Aberlour Fostering’s policies and procedures, ensuring that high-quality, evidence-based reports are presented to the fostering panel within required timeframes. If you apply for a Form F Assessor role, you’ll be self-employed, which gives you the flexibility to balance working with other commitments you may have.

“Aberlour Fostering is 5 Star. As we have taken a child under our wing, Aberlour has taken us under theirs. We feel part of a team, one big family with the same common goals and values. Working together with amazing people, we feel supported and valued” - one of our current foster carers.

We are looking for people who:

  • Have a recognised social work qualification.
  • Register and maintain an appropriate professional registration with the SSSC as a social worker.
  • Have experience of working within Children's services.
  • Have an understanding of fostering and the current legislation framework.
  • Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a car.
  • Have experience of Fostering Network Transfer Protocol.

What we offer...

£2000 per completed assessment.

Supervision and support at varying points throughout the assessment i.e. start, mid-point and towards the end.

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.

Shortlist