Passionate about engaging with young people? Experienced in creating a safe environment and allowing young people to talk about what is important to them? This opportunity is for you!

Join the Why Not? Trust team as a Community and Engagement Team Member – Thinking Space. Due to further development, we are now offering a second full-time appointment.

Thinking Space is a unique initiative funded by The Henry Smith Foundation, designed to support care-experienced young people across Scotland. Underpinned by Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) principles, Thinking Space uses mapping techniques to help young people explore their past, understand how previous experiences and relationships influence their present circumstances, and consider the potential impact on their future.

This confidential and safe environment enables participants to develop positive coping strategies and build resilience. Following your induction and initial training, you will work directly with care-experienced young people in specific locations, offering them the opportunity to reflect on how past relationships may have shaped their sense of self, decision-making, and ability to form new connections. You will also support them in exploring learned coping mechanisms and adopting healthier alternatives.

As part of The Why Not? Team, you will have access to ongoing support and professional development opportunities to enhance your practice and impact. This role will be line managed by the Why Not Trust, Operational Lead. A UK driving license is required for this role. A secondment will be explored if requested.

Everyone's behaviour will be led by the principles of The Why Not Trust.

Why Not Principles

These principles are what underpin all we do; they show our values and shape our behaviours. They make it clear to all what they should expect from us and what we expect from them.

#1 Show respect - everyone is worthy of being treated with a high level of respect. Stigma and discrimination are not welcome, and we will strive to eliminate both.

#2 Be Kind – We cannot control other people’s behaviour, but we can control our own. We will treat people with kindness and use curiosity and listening to understand other perspectives.

#3 Be human – we are all human and no matter how well intended we are, we will all make mistakes, we will own these and learn from them. We will help each other learn by being honest with each other.

#4 Promote the positives – we will focus on strengths and support learning in every way we can. We will celebrate success and recognise achievements. We will recognise everyone is doing their best.

#5 Be ambitious – we will strive for success in all we do, recognise the change we want to make and go for it!

#6 Recruit allies – we will work with others to achieve our aims and support others to achieve theirs.

#7 Champion individual growth – we will support the development of individuals, promote opportunities, and develop leadership qualities.

#8 Keep it real – we will do our best to recognise when we or others are feeling challenged and offer support where we can. We will pull together; no-one is too important to help do what needs done. We will strive to avoid jargon and use inclusive language.

#9 Be storytellers – we will share our learning and tell our generic stories or share themes, where it supports learning. We will not share individual ‘case studies’ or require people to tell their story.

#10 Listen to learn – we will listen to people to learn, not to respond. We will allow others processing time and go at their pace.

Online Info Sessions to find out more about us and the role:

Tuesday, 23rd December at 4pm-4:45pm – weblink

Monday, 5th January at 4pm-4:45pm – weblink

EARS is an independent advocacy provider – our mission is to ensure that people’s voices are heard, and their rights are respected.

This is a hybrid-based post. Working hours will be spent with a mixture of providing advocacy within Edinburgh and the Lothian communities with the people who seek your support, working once per week from the West Lothian office and the rest of the time from home. Mileage expenses are reimbursed for travel within work.

Inspiring Scotland is seeking passionate and proactive Performance and Impact Advisor to join our Delivering Equally Safe fund team. As a trusted partner to funded organisations, you’ll manage a portfolio of organisations to provide tailored support with budgets, delivery plans, objectives, and monitoring impact.

We’re looking for someone with strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, and a passion for social justice and equality. You’ll work within a collaborative team, contributing to the wider Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights team within Inspiring Scotland. We are a collaborative, supportive organisation that places high emphasis on teamwork and sharing best practice and learning, both internally and externally.

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 supportive and welcoming Highland team. As a Service Co-ordinator you will work alongside and supervise an Advocacy Worker colleague whilst also providing one-to-one independent advocacy to children and young people up to the age of 16 who live in the Highland Council area and who have lived/living experience of substance use (drugs and/or alcohol) – their own or those close to them. Through this role, you will ensure that their voices and wishes are heard, enabling them to make informed choices, protect their rights and have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect their lives.

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 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 brand-new children’s advocacy service in the Highlands - “Voice & Choice”. As an independent advocacy worker, you will have the privilege of providing one-to-one independent advocacy to children and young people up to the age of 16 who live in the Highland Council area and who have lived/living experience of substance use (drugs and/or alcohol) – their own or those close to them. Through this role, you will ensure that their voices and wishes are heard, enabling them to make informed choices, protect their rights and have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect their lives.

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.

Who Cares? Scotland is Scotland’s only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Our mission is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect, and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland and we currently have over 3000 Care Experienced members.

At the heart of Who Cares? Scotland’s work are the rights of Care Experienced children and young people, and the power of their voices to bring about positive change. We provide individual relationship-based independent advocacy and a broad range of imaginative participatory opportunity for Care Experienced young people across Scotland; we work alongside corporate parents and communities of all sorts to broaden understanding; we work with policy makers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice on the basis of all that can be learnt from the voices of those with experience of care – working together to build on the aspirations of The Promise and secure positive change.

This unique role offers the opportunity to listen to and work directly with children and young people with experience of care, in an individual relationship-based advocacy role, and within participation and group activity across our South East region.

The post-holder will be a key member of the Advocacy and Participation team, supporting young people from across to ensure their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. In this role you will have the opportunity to provide independent advocacy, children’s rights, and participation opportunities for children and young people who are looked after, Care Experienced, or subject to formal processes and structures. The role will see you actively participating in child’s plan meetings, children’s hearings, and other formal processes, as well as assisting children and young people to prepare for them. In partnership with professionals, carers, and organisations, you will help to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people by keeping detailed records of the work you undertake, writing liaison reports, and monitoring statistics.

As a vital part of the work of Who Cares? Scotland, your role will include facilitating group opportunities for and with children and young people. This includes providing engagement and participation opportunities throughout the Who Cares? Scotland local and national network, as well as meeting with care experienced children and young people to introduce the service in agreement with the local authority. Raising awareness of Who Cares? Scotland and its services with children, young people, professionals, and carers you will also be responsible for facilitating training amongst care corporate parents.

The right candidate for this post will be able to form positive relationships with children and young people and have good interpersonal skills. You will feel confident communicating with individuals and groups, both in writing and verbally, and be able to adapt to a wide range of contexts. Secure in making effective plans, as well as evidencing your work, you can prioritise and meet deadlines. You take enjoyment from working collaboratively with partners, believing in equal opportunities and inclusive working. Committed to children’s rights, you are someone who knows that all young people can make transformative change happen in their lives if given the opportunity. You can demonstrate knowledge of the current structure, developments, policy, and practice in relation to children and young people experiencing care in Scotland. You are also flexible, given the remit of the role, as some evening and weekend work will be necessary, along with a full driving licence and access to transport.

While we would welcome the knowledge gathered through relevant qualifications, we are just as interested in relevant work experience. We welcome and encourage applications from those with experience of care.

The successful candidate will be joining Who Cares? Scotland and working within the South East team at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are in or have experienced care are growing in power, individually and collectively – bringing with them insight, challenge, hope and change.

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you. To arrange an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ray MacLean, Manager of Advocacy and Participation, at rmaclean@whocaresscotland.org.

Join GCIL and Make a Difference!

At the GCIL (Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living), we empower disabled people with the information, skills, and support they need to lead independent lives and participate fully in society.

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we centre lived experience and pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services that make a real impact in our communities. Communication and connection sit at the heart of everything we do.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will make a tangible difference, helping disabled people of all ages to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
• People-Focused: You’ll spend a significant amount of your time communicating — one-to-one, in groups, in the community, and online. If you love engaging with people, this is the role for you.
• Varied Outreach: From delivering training sessions to hosting workshops, events, and drop-ins, you'll be out in the community building understanding and trust.
• Autonomy and Responsibility: Manage your own caseload and represent GCIL confidently through regular verbal and digital communication.
• Professional Growth: We’ll support your development, including your communication, training delivery, and community engagement skills.

As a Support Services Team Leader you will:

• Manage our team and our resources effectively, including staff deployment, supplier negotiations and process improvements.
• Support individuals to manage their own care arrangements and make informed choices about available options.
• Assist with safe recruitment, payroll setup, and contingency planning for those employing personal assistants.
• Provide guidance on good employment practices and refer to appropriate resources when needed.
• Deliver accessible information and liaise with relevant organisations for referrals.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement through forums, training, and feedback to social services.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development within the team.
• Maintain accurate financial, statistical, and case records; prepare reports for funders and committees.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, equality, diversity, health and safety, and other organisational policies.
• Represent the organisation confidently at events and build professional networks to support service development.

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Proven organisational and team leadership abilities.
• Creative problem-solving, networking, and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, email, internet, and social media tools.
• Experience delivering support and training to individuals and groups with diverse needs.
• Understanding of Independent Living philosophy and the Social Model of Disability.
• Knowledge of self-directed support services, personal assistance, finance, and employment law.
• Ability to manage resources, staff teams, and satellite offices effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work under pressure.
• Enthusiastic and capable of motivating others.
• Willingness to work occasional unsocial hours.
• PVG membership required.

We would ideally like you to have experience and knowledge of Self Directed Support services but this is not essential.

We Actively Welcome Disabled Applicants

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we are especially keen to hear from disabled people, including those with lived experience of navigating support systems or barriers in society.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you have lived experience of disability, we strongly encourage you to apply.

If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, just let us know — we're happy to support you.

We guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.

Join GCIL and Make a Difference!

At the GCIL (Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living), we empower disabled people with the information, skills, and support they need to lead independent lives and participate fully in society.

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we centre lived experience and pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services that make a real impact in our communities. Communication and connection sit at the heart of everything we do.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will make a tangible difference, helping disabled people of all ages to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
• People-Focused: You’ll spend a significant amount of your time communicating — one-to-one, in groups, in the community, and online. If you love engaging with people, this is the role for you.
• Varied Outreach: From delivering training sessions to hosting workshops, events, and drop-ins, you'll be out in the community building understanding and trust.
• Autonomy and Responsibility: Manage your own caseload and represent GCIL confidently through regular verbal and digital communication.
• Professional Growth: We’ll support your development, including your communication, training delivery, and community engagement skills.

As an Inclusive SDS Development Worker, you will:

• Promote Self-Directed Support (SDS) to service users, carers, professionals, and partner organisations through confident, clear communication.
• Provide information, advice, and signposting — ensuring complex information is explained in a supportive, accessible way.
• Deliver SDS awareness sessions, preparation sessions, workshops, training, and drop-in events (both in person and digitally).
• Build strong, trusting relationships with individuals and communities through consistent outreach and regular communication.
• Support individuals in assessing needs, preparing for SDS assessments, and developing personalised support plans.
• Facilitate and contribute to peer support groups and community asset mapping.
• Plan and deliver training for direct payment recipients and carers, adapting your style to different audiences.
• Collaborate with GCIL teams and HSCP partners, sharing updates, presenting information, and working together to deliver community events.
• Represent GCIL confidently with external stakeholders, partners, and professionals.
• Promote inclusive living options through presentations, outreach visits, and digital communications.
• Manage time and financial resources effectively, following procedures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure compliance with data protection and GCIL policies.
• Collect and report data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Continuously develop personal skills and knowledge through training and feedback.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and uphold GCIL’s values and standards.

In order to be successful in this role you should have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide variety of people and communities.
• Experience of providing support and/or delivering training, workshops, or group sessions using a community development approach.
• Experience of providing information, advice, and support in a people-focused environment.
• Good knowledge of Self-Directed Support, particularly Option 1 – Direct Payments.
• An understanding of and commitment to the principles of inclusive living, the social model of disability, and the empowerment of disabled people.
• Strong digital communication skills and a great working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

It would be great if you had:

• Personal experience of self-managing an inclusive living package.

We Actively Welcome Disabled Applicants

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we are especially keen to hear from disabled people, including those with lived experience of navigating support systems or barriers in society.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you have lived experience of disability, we strongly encourage you to apply.

If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, just let us know — we're happy to support you.

We guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.

Do you have the ability to lead and motivate others, and a real desire to make structural change for those facing homelessness and poor housing conditions? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Housing Rights Worker and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping to identify and resolve the homelessness and bad housing issues facing local communities

About the role

You’ll be responsible for delivering high quality housing advice, advocacy and casework to clients in community settings and remotely in line with local pressing issues and managing others in this. You will develop relationships within the sector to gather evidence and insights into the impact of the housing emergency and using those insights to drive systems change. You will lead on the development and delivery of a programme of capacity building, ensuring other organisations have the skills to act on housing rights. Influencing a range of stakeholders and decision makers across the housing sector will be important too.

You will act as a leader within the project and the wider Communities Team to help deliver and evidence our strategy at an operational level. We will count on you to line manage, supervise, coach and mentor a housing rights worker.

Role specifics

To succeed, you’ll need to have experience of working with, and influencing, a range of internal and external stakeholders and enjoy collaborating with people from other teams and organisations. You’ll also need great time management skills, an enthusiasm for delivering workshops and presentations and a willingness to challenge practice and hold people to account. You’ll have a flair for leading and motivating others. Adept at engaging with individuals and communities, you enjoy gathering evidence and identifying insights, issues and trends. What’s more, you present information and arguments in a clear and compelling way and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Our three Communities Teams are responsible for identifying, investigating and intervening in housing and homelessness practice issues. We engage with our local communities to understand the issues people are facing and apply expert housing knowledge, insight and analysis to identify solutions to them. As well as providing advice and advocacy for individuals, we also use our insight, relationships and influence to drive systemic change, always ensuring that Lived Experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Unique Opportunity: Youth Practitioner at Paws for Progress

Do you love dogs? Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you believe in the power of human-animal interactions to create meaningful change?

Paws for Progress is seeking a Youth Practitioner to join our expert team, delivering our rescue dog training programme at HMP & YOI Polmont. This is a unique, hands-on role combining practical work with dogs and educational support for young people aged 18–23. You’ll help both students and dogs grow, learn, and succeed in a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment.

About the Role

As a Youth Practitioner, you will:

• Collect and transport rescue dogs safely to and from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and HMP & YOI Polmont (normally twice weekly, with 8am collections)
• Co-deliver practical dog training and educational sessions, supporting students’ personal development and learning
• Monitor and enhance student progress and dog welfare
• Collaborate with Scottish Prison Service staff, partners, and volunteers
• Help create an enjoyable, strengths-based, dog-centred and person-centred learning environment

Please download our Recruitment Pack for the full Job Description and Person Specification.