Support Worker

Real Life Options; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity is seeking a compassionate Support Worker in Portlethen to provide essential support to individuals with learning and physical disabilities. You will help people achieve their goals, maintain independence, and enjoy activities they love. This full-time role offers flexible hours and training. Join a dedicated team where your efforts will make a genuine difference in people's lives. Comprehensive benefits include paid holidays, pension scheme, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Fully accredited training

Employer-contributed pension scheme

£10,000 life cover

Health Cash Plan

Mileage paid

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts on everyday purchases

Refer-a-Friend bonus scheme

Long-service and recognition awards

Qualifications

• Compassionate support for adults with disabilities.
• Ability to assist with personal care and household tasks.
• Expectation to participate in walking and swimming activities.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in daily and social activities.
• Assist with personal care and medical appointments.
• Encourage participation in community outings and leisure activities.

Skills

Caring and proactive attitude

Ability to work independently

Confidence in lone working

Willingness to engage in physical activity

Commitment to dignity and respect

Education

Previous care experience

Job description

Support Worker

Location: Portlethen, Aberdeenshire
Hours: Full-time (39 hours per week)
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Real Life Options is a national charity providing high-quality, person‑centred support to people with learning and physical disabilities. We are passionate about empowering individuals to live independent, fulfilling lives—and we are looking for compassionate, motivated people to join our team in Portlethen.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can help people achieve real independence, this could be the opportunity for you.

About the Role

As a Support Worker, you will provide direct support to individuals within their own homes and in the local community. You will play a key role in helping people achieve their goals, maintain their independence, and take part in activities they enjoy.

This is a flexible position, with a four‑week rolling rota covering early shifts (starting at 8:00 am), late shifts (finishing at 10:00 pm), weekends, and occasional night shifts. The role involves lone working as well as working alongside other team members, depending on the needs of the people we support. Full training and shadow shifts will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

You will be supporting individuals within their own homes and out in their communities. If successful, you can expect to support people in a wide range of day‑to‑day and social activities, including:

• Supporting individuals to attend volunteer placements, local groups, and social clubs
• Accompanying and encouraging participation in leisure activities such as swimming, cinema, bowling, playing pool, and trying new experiences they enjoy or wish to explore
• Supporting people with their weekly shopping, meal preparation, and housekeeping
• Assisting with appointments—both personal and medical—as well as trips to visit family and friends
• Supporting personal care and hygiene routines
• Assisting with moving and handling where necessary
• Encouraging and supporting budgeting and money management
• Accompanying people on community outings and keeping them socially connected

Some people we support are keen walkers and enjoy spending time outdoors. You must be comfortable with walking regularly and prepared for various weather conditions. Many individuals also go swimming weekly—you must be confident in the water and happy to take part.

Who We Support

You will support adults with a range of physical and learning disabilities including:

• Autism
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Complex health needs requiring personal care and medication administration
• Individuals who may require gastronomy tube feeding

Some individuals require one‑to‑one support; others are supported by two staff members. Services are supported living environments, and you will work across several homes based in Portlethen and the surrounding area.

What We’re Looking For

• A caring and proactive attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Confidence in lone working situations
• A willingness to engage in physical activity, including walking and swimming
• Commitment to upholding dignity, respect, and independence for the people you support
• Previous care experience is welcome but not essential—full training is provided
• Ability to travel to and work in Portlethen and wider Aberdeenshire (please check transport links if not driving)

What We Offer

• 28 days paid holiday (pro rata)
• Fully accredited training and ongoing professional development
• Employer‑contributed pension scheme
• £10,000 life cover
• Health Cash Plan (for contracted hours)
• Mileage paid at 35p per mile (up to 10,000 miles annually)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee Assistance Programme (medical, counselling, financial and legal advice)
• Discounts on a wide range of everyday purchases through Reward Gateway
• Refer‑a‑Friend bonus scheme
• Long‑service and recognition awards

Recruitment and Onboarding

Informal interviews will be conducted by the Service Manager, Michelle Nicholson, and/or Team Coordinator, Ainsleigh Gammack. As part of the process, you will meet several people we support.

Induction includes:

• Online mandatory training (Real Learning courses)
• Four shadow shifts with experienced team members
• One in‑office induction day

A successful applicant will require an Enhanced Adult PVG check.

Join Us

Real Life Options supports real lives and real choices. This is your chance to be part of something genuinely life‑changing—helping people thrive in their own homes and communities.

Apply now and start your journey with Real Life Options.