Are you passionate about helping people to live a better life? Do you want to work for a charity where your health and wellbeing matter just as much as the people you support? Do you want to be part of a trauma-informed team where you will be supported to develop creative and flexible ways of working?
At LinkLiving, our values and people are at the heart of everything we do including how we recruit our staff. It is important for us to find people who share our values, which are:
LinkLiving is a Scottish health and wellbeing charity that supports people to manage or overcome the effects of negative life experiences (including trauma, mental health challenges, poverty and inequality) so that they can build on their strengths and aspirations in order to live their best possible lives. We support people through a range of models including:
The Service
The Link Academy team works primarily with people with complex backgrounds. The experiences of these young people often result in low self-esteem and confidence, poor mental health and a pattern of destructive behaviours. Because of this, these young people find it difficult to manage key transitions such as moving into work or training, into a tenancy or leaving care. The service works hard and creatively to maintain the early engagement of participants. By offering mental health and wellbeing programmes, independent living skills and a wide range of qualifications to support their progression, we give young people the tools to better manage their own mental health. Doing so helps them break negative and destructive cycles of behaviour and thinking, with the aim of putting them on the path to having the best life possible. Staff are trained in using a trauma-informed approach to support young people to build confidence, develop resilience and realise their goals for the future.
The Job
‘The Right Track (Navigating Positive Futures)’ is a preventive programme which focuses on supporting young people at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system, through the provision of one-to-one and group-based support. The Development Worker will have a background in criminal justice work and will support young people facing issues including youth crime, antisocial behaviour, family breakdown and school-related difficulties, to achieve their goals and aspirations, providing them with practical tools and techniques to overcome the challenges they are facing.
The Development Worker will also provide support to parents and caregivers, as well as leading a team of peer education volunteers (16-24) who will use their own lived experiences of the criminal justice system to positively influence young people supported through the programme.
About You
You will be an experienced and motivated professional, educated to SCQF Level 7 (HNC or equivalent), with a strong background in youth work. With at least three years’ experience in a professional youth work setting, you will have a proven track record of developing and delivering engaging programmes that support young people to achieve positive outcomes.
You will hold (or be willing to work towards) an SCQF Assessor and Verifier qualification (LD9–LD11) and have experience of creating and delivering effective training to both young people and adults. You will be confident in developing high-quality training materials and digital resources, and skilled in evaluating programmes using a range of tools to evidence impact and outcomes.
You will have a sound understanding of the current Scottish policy landscape and the challenges facing young people and families. You’ll be able to apply this knowledge in your work, ensuring that programmes and support remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to need. A commitment to mental health awareness and the use of self-help resources will be central to your approach.
You’ll bring excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly in writing and in person, and to build strong relationships with young people, colleagues, and partner agencies. Your approach will be trauma-informed, enabling you to create safe and supportive environments that help young people thrive.
Highly organised and adaptable, you’ll have excellent planning skills, a “can-do” attitude, and the flexibility to work across different areas when required. Proficiency in ICT and confidence in using digital tools are essential, as is a full driving licence and access to a car. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required to meet the needs of the service.
For a comprehensive list of the essential and desirable criteria required for this post, please refer to the Job Specification in the Job information Pack.
What’s in it for you?
The benefits of being a LinkLiving employee (subject to the policies and benefit terms and conditions) include:
For a full list of benefits available to employees, please see the following link - linkliving.org.uk/work-with-us
This role is subject to PVG membership under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Individuals who are barred from working with children or protected adults will not be considered for this position. Link will meet the cost of any new PVG scheme membership or membership update.
Interested?
If you have any questions about the role, please email jobs@linkhaltd.co.uk and we can arrange for someone from the service to call you for an informal chat.
To find out more about what LinkLiving do and to view the generous pay and benefits package, please visit our website at linkliving.org.uk
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 25 January 2026
Interview Date: Interviews are being held on Monday 02 February 2026 at our office in Edinburgh
Please visit our website to find out more and to apply
As a large employer, we advertise jobs regularly on our own website and social media channels alongside other third-party websites. No matter where you see one of our vacancies, you will always be directed to our jobs portal to apply directly with us.
We can offer suitable alternative methods to apply if requested including although not exclusively; hard copy, Braille and audio. You can request these by emailing our Resourcing Team at jobs@linkhaltd.co.uk and detailing which format you would require.
Please note should an internal applicant be successful in applying for this position on either a seconded or permanent basis, they will move to the terms and conditions associated with the role for the duration of the time they are in post. The terms and conditions are outlined in the job information pack.
We aim at all times to recruit the person who is most suited to the job and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. Our offices are fully accessible to wheelchair users and, as a Disability Confident Leader, we will interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria.