- Advertised from 26th October 2022
- Fixed term
Role
Vulnerable children in the UK need your help
Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.
Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.
Why Action for Children?
Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.
A bit about the role
Action for Children's Youth Justice services, offers flexible and responsive support, focusing on the whole systems approach. The aim is to reduce or divert young people from the Youth Criminal justice system through a combination of 1:1 and group-based programmes .
You'll help with the delivery of Community Payback Orders & Unpaid Work across Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Greater Glasgow.
You'll work as part of a well supported and trained team who work hard to achieve positive outcomes for our young people. Giving back to local communities by delivering set programmes by -
- supporting participants to complete their orders
- take a holistic supportive approach and;
- encourage involvement within further training and certification opportunities.
- The contract initially runs through autumn and winter into spring 2023 – with the potential of extension. It will enable you to grow your experience and build your network with a wide range of organisations across the region and gain invaluable experience within a great Charity.
How you'll help to create brighter futures
Key responsibilities will be –
- Delivering a high-quality service to children, young people and their families by assessing needs.Delivering interventions to children, young people or families on a 1:1 basis or in a group setting, with appropriate direction.Building effective working relationships with colleagues and the people we work with.Demonstrate knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.On a daily basis, being responsible for organising work objectives including both pre and forward planning.Keeping accurate records by using various IT systems to capture case details, outputs and produce written reports and present these.
Let's talk about you
You will be passionate, committed, and resilient. And yes, this role can at sometimes be emotionally and physically challenging but it's also fun, diverse and you will feel huge sense of reward by being able to help! If this all sounds ideal, then, you are exactly who we are looking for.
- Experience of working in a health, early years, or a social care setting would be great.
- Ideally an SVQ level 2 Health & Social care qualification - but we are very open to relevant experience, rather than a qualification.
- The ability to engage and work with children, young people, and their families, demonstrating a range of communication skills.
- Experience of preparing, organising, reviewing and delivering individual and or group work.
- Able to demonstrate commitment to personal development and undertaking relevant training
- Ability to effectively utilise Microsoft Outlook and other IT packages.
A UK driving licence and access to a car to travel between service areas.
Good to know
Application Process
There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.
Talent Pool
We know talent when we see it. But sometimes we find the right person but not for the right job. We'd love to keep your details for when the right job comes up. Let us know if you'd rather we didn't.
Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at Laura.McCarthy2@actionforchildren.org.uk. We'll be happy to give you any support you require.
Diversity, equality and inclusion
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.
Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.
Don't meet every single requirement?
Studies show that women and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.
Application notes
To find out more and apply please visit our website
Closing Date:8 November 2022
About Options Fife Continuing Care
At Aberlour we listen to understand what our young people want and need within our local area. Our Options Fife Continuing Care service in Glenrothes supports young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live and thrive within the local community.
This service will be home to 4 young people aged 16 plus who will all have their own individual flat. Our rota has been drafted to suit the needs of the young people.
What we are looking for....
We are looking for a full time (37.5 hours, working 3 x 12.5 hour shifts per week) Young People’s Worker to join our team. You will play a fundamental role in our young people’s lives to ensure that they get the best possible experience whilst working towards goals in their care plan. Using a person-centred approach, you will provide enabling support ensuring the highest level of physical and emotional care, supporting our young people in their daily living and within the local community.
If you have an interest in working with young people, we would like to hear from you. Ideally, candidates will have social care experience, understanding of autism, 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.
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 please see our website for further information.
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.
Playscheme Workers - Aberlour Options Ayrshire
- Part time
- Sessional
- On site: Prestwick
- Closing 7th January 2026
The best thing about working for Aberlour is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
About Options Ayrshire
Our Service is a busy respite service for children and young people with complex health needs, including severe 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 a busy Easter and summer playscheme.
What we are looking for....
We are looking to recruit to our Easter playscheme programme. Our playscheme runs 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays. You will work flexible hours as part of a team providing a programme of fun-filled activities and outings as well as supporting young people with aspects of personal care. Some previous experience in this area is preferred. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and work hard are essential. To allow us to provide a consistent, quality service it is desirable that applicants commit to working up to 5 days per week during the Easter school holidays for a minimum of 12 hours per week. There will be an opportunity to work additional hours up to full time hours. Days will be given in advance. Our playschemes run in both Ayr and Girvan and staff may be expected to work at both sites. Mandatory training dates for staff will be arranged during February and March before commencement of the playscheme.
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 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.
Senior Playscheme Workers - Aberlour Options Ayrshire
- Part time
- Sessional
- On site: Prestwick
- Closing 7th January 2026
The best thing about working for Aberlour is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
About Options Ayrshire
Our Service is a busy respite service for children and young people with complex health needs, including severe 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 a busy Easter and summer playscheme.
What we are looking for....
We are looking to recruit Senior Playscheme Workers to our Easter playscheme programme. Our playscheme runs 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays.
As a Senior Playscheme Worker you will work flexible hours to assist in developing and planning the fun-filled activities and outings, in keeping with the interests and abilities of the young people and ensuring its successful delivery by overseeing the work of the Playscheme Workers. You will play a key role in ensuring a safe environment for young people and staff by following care plans and support strategies, as well as observing and working in accordance with Aberlour Policies and Procedures. Previous experience in this area of work is essential.
To allow us to provide a consistent, quality service it is desirable that applicants commit to working up to 5 days per week during the Easter school holidays for a minimum of 12 hours per week. There will be an opportunity to work additional hours up to full time hours. Days will be given in advance. Our playschemes run in both Ayr and Girvan and staff may be expected to work at both sites. Mandatory training dates for staff will be arranged during February and March before commencement of the playscheme.
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 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.
Advocacy & Participation Worker – South East
- Part time
- £25,354 pro-rata
- Hybrid: Home based in first instance with increasing access to our Edinburgh office for meetings and other duties when needed
- Closing 25th January 2026
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.
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