Relief Support Worker
Location: Portlethen, Aberdeenshire
Hours: Relief
Salary: £13.45 per hour
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.
