‘At Options Aberdeen we strive to be the best that we can be – for the young people we support and for our staff’

About Options Aberdeen

Options Aberdeen was developed by a dynamic partnership of Aberlour working with Aberdeen City Council and A-ND (Autism and Neurodiversity Scotland). Providing a mix of residential short breaks, care at home and care in the community. We offer services that best suit the needs of the children and young people we support. When their child is with us, parents and families can relax in the knowledge that their child is getting the best possible nurturing care in a ‘home from home’ environment. This maximises the benefit they gain whilst they get a crucial break to recharge and refresh their batteries enabling them to provide the needed high level of support for their child when they return home from their short break. Our exciting programme enables children with complex disabilities to have new experiences and make new friends. The Hub also provides holistic family support through a menu of services that support and complement direct support offered to children and young people. Working with the children is not a ‘quick fix’ but a long-term endeavour supporting them to make small incremental change that over time becomes significant. The role is challenging but also immensely rewarding. Options Aberdeen has a strong reputation and as part of the team, staff who already have some experience will be supported to consolidate and build on their skills enhancing their ability to take advantage of any future new opportunities and challenges.

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 are looking for....

If you are looking for a new challenge and to build on your existing experience and skills, you will be supported to do this within an inclusive team. Our Lead Practitioners provide guidance and mentoring which will enable you, as an individual, to build your confidence and enhance your skills resulting in excellent service delivery for the children and young people we support. We are looking for individuals who, ideally, can bring their own experience and skills to complement those of our team. But if you are starting out in your social childcare career, you will also be a welcome addition to the team and in return for your commitment and hard work we will support your development in the role. You will be enthusiastic, motivated and a caring individual who will contribute to the development of care and support plans, working in a child centred outcomes focused manner to ensure that children, young people and their families get the most out of their service. You will work closely with internal and external colleagues in a multi-agency approach to ensure that the holistic needs of children, young people and families are central to service provision. We are particularly looking for workers who have health care experience, knowledge and skills to support children and young people with complex health needs within their own homes.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about supporting young people, families and communities, who are flexible and share our vision that collaborative working and relationship based early intervention is the best option for young people and families who are feeling overwhelmed or excluded.

Full time and part time staff participate in a three week rolling rota. This includes evening, weekends, overnights across 7 days per week. Minimum 15 hours per week for part time staff, up to 37.5 hours per week for full time staff.

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.

The Supported Housing Worker role requires assisting in the management of the development thus ensuring the tenants are able to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in an environment which is clean, safe and friendly. You will be responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the tenants and for assisting them in maintaining their independence.

As Housing Care Worker your role will involve working with our tenants to ensure they receive the support and personal care identified in their care plans. You will directly support tenants in their homes by providing individual advice, practical housing support assistance and personal care.

Both roles are to ensure that we are able to offer the best service to our tenants and make it possible for our tenants to continue enjoying as much independent living as they’re able.

As well as a competitive annual salary, our valued team also benefits from:

• competitive hourly rates of £12.25 - £12.50 per hour
• guaranteed rota hours working between 7.30am & 10pm
• generous annual leave entitlement
• a choice of pension scheme with employer contributions
• flexible working policies
• access to extensive paid training and development opportunities
• a supportive and inclusive culture.

We also have opportunities with our Trust Staff Agency - for employees who want to work across different locations, in various roles, with highly flexible hours to suit family commitments - it's a great opportunity with the same training and development that our other roles benefit from.

Previous experience working in social care or the housing sector would be an advantage but this is not always necessary. Our ideal candidate is someone with enthusiasm, a caring nature and willingness to learn as full training, support and ongoing development will be provided.

At present, there are an estimated 8,464 citizens living with dementia in Edinburgh. Around 300 of these people are under the age of 65 years old.

Would you like to make a difference to the lives of younger people living with dementia in Edinburgh?

Supporting individuals to keep connected to their communities, engage in their interests and hobbies and access peer support, using your own car to help people get around (mileage and expenses are paid).

Successful applicants will have a positive approach to dementia. You will also have good communication skills and a caring attitude. A willingness to learn and participate in training is essential. Relevant qualifications and/or experience of working with people with dementia would be an advantage.

This position requires applicants to be registered with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). And successful candidates are expected to hold or work towards a professional qualification (minimum of SVQ2).

Full driving license and access to a vehicle during working time is essential for this post.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.
• 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

Our Residential Support Worker is a great opportunity for those experienced working in a care setting and looking to implement those skills with an aim to progress to the next stage of their career with our help. You'll manage risk in a way which empowers young people and builds resilience, whilst at the same time ensuring their safety. You'll demonstrate a high standard of person-centred practice, have good social care values and be a strong role model to our children and young people.

In return we'll offer you amazing opportunities to progress within our organisation.​​

We offer an in-depth induction process and training.

Alongside this, we'll enrol you in the qualifications which you need to work in the industry.​

Regular supervision with your line manager, team meetings etc. will ensure you feel part of our team. ​​

Once you've gained the relevant experience and qualifications you'll be ready to progress to the next step in your career with us.

About the service

At Woodburn, we understand how important it is to replicate a warm home environment for young people. We provide full-time care and support for two young people with learning disabilities who at times present behaviour that challenges and are unable to live with their own families. We focus on building meaningful relationships with children and young people and being able to support them achieving outcomes and gaining new skills and independence(whether that's making their own toast or independently accessing the community).

You’ll care for our young people by assisting with their daily routines, providing personal care, and administering medication after appropriate training. You’ll collaborate with the team to create and implement individualised plans tailored to each young person’s needs.

Additionally, you’ll engage our young people in activities they enjoy, such as arts and crafts, puzzles, X-Box, walks, swimming, and more!

We firmly believe that behaviour is communication and work to identify what the young people are trying to tell us through their behaviour and support them to communicate that in a positive way.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of the Residential Support Worker roles are;

• Provide lead case/care planning management, including assessing, reviewing and managing risk.
• Co-ordinating responsibilities within the service, with multi agency and producing family information, including analysis and written reports.
• Attendance at professional meetings including reviews, court work etc.
• Help young people in all aspects of their daily lives.
• Have good communication skills and the ability to engage well with both young people, colleagues and other professionals.
• Be a creative thinker and having a solution focused approach.

Let's talk about you

Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We're looking for someone with a ‘can do' attitude to join our team. Ideally you'll have:

• Demonstrable experience of working in a care setting and developing positive relationships through trust.
• Application of a range of techniques to co-ordinate and communicate with service users and their families.
• Demonstrate a solution focused approach to address problems, individually and in a team setting.
• Demonstrate emotional resilience to respond to the challenging nature of the role.
• Possess a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or recognised equivalent) or if you do not possess this you must be prepared to complete this within 2 years of commencing employment with us, full support will be provided.