Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for dedicated, compassionate and motivated individuals to join our Springboard Outreach Service as As and When Outreach Workers, supporting care-experienced young people across the Highland area.
This flexible role offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing tailored, relationship-based support within their homes, communities and local environments. While the role is predominantly based within Caithness and Sutherland, there may be occasions when travel to Inverness and other Highland locations is required.
Springboard is commissioned by The Highland Council and forms part of Barnardo's wider Highland service offer. Our work is underpinned by the principles of The Promise, ensuring every young person is listened to, valued and supported in a way that is flexible, responsive and trauma-informed.
As an As and When Outreach Worker, you will provide practical and emotional support to young people who are preparing for independence or navigating the challenges of early adulthood. Working flexibly around the needs of young people, you will help them build confidence, resilience and the skills required to thrive.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing one-to-one outreach support to care-experienced young people across Highland.
- Building positive, trusting relationships and offering consistent support tailored to individual needs.
- Working flexibly and creatively to meet young people where they are – emotionally, practically and geographically.
- Supporting young people to develop independent living skills, including budgeting, maintaining a tenancy, cooking, health and wellbeing, and accessing education, employment or training opportunities.
- Collaborating closely with Pathways Coordinators and other professionals to support young people in achieving the goals identified within their Pathways Plans.
- Encouraging young people to access and engage with services, activities and opportunities within their local communities.
- Supporting young people to identify their strengths, increase resilience and build positive support networks.
- Maintaining accurate records, reports and case notes in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
- Working in accordance with Barnardo's safeguarding policies, values and professional standards.
- Contributing to positive outcomes for young people through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential and who understand the importance of relationship-based practice.
You will have:
- Experience of working with children, young people or care-experienced individuals.
- An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the ability to build professional, trusting relationships.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work independently, while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
- A flexible and responsive approach to meeting the needs of young people.
- Good organisational and recording skills.
- A commitment to promoting the rights, wellbeing and aspirations of care-experienced young people.
You will also:
- Be willing to work evenings and weekends when required, based on the needs of young people.
- Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for business use (travel expenses reimbursed).
- Hold, or be willing to work towards, a relevant qualification appropriate to the role.
By joining Springboard, you will become part of a passionate and supportive team committed to helping care-experienced young people build positive futures. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference, supporting young people to develop independence, confidence and lasting connections within their communities.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received for some vacancies, this advert may close earlier than the advertised closing date. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
