Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for a dedicated and compassionate support worker to join our Springboard Outreach Service, supporting care leavers across the Highland Area. This role is predomitely based in Caithness and Sutherland however you may need to travel to Inverness at times. This role offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing holistic, tailored support in their own homes and communities.

Springboard is commissioned by Highland Council and forms part of a wider Barnardo's Highland service offer. The service is grounded in the principles of The Promise, ensuring that every young person has their voice heard and their needs met in a way that is flexible, relationship-based, and trauma-informed.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver one-to-one outreach support to care-experienced young people across Highland
Work flexibly and creatively to meet young people where they are—emotionally, Practically and geographically.
Collaborate closely with Pathways Coordinators to support young people in achieving the goals set out in their Pathways Plans.
Empower young people to develop independent living skills, build resilience, and access opportunities in their communities
Maintain accurate records, contribute to monitoring outcomes, and work in line with
Barnardo's values and safeguarding standards.

What We're Looking For:

Experience working with children, young people, or care-experienced individuals.
A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and the ability to build trusting, professional relationships
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, based on the needs of young people.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel - Expenses are reimbursed.

values

People & Culture

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

Barnardo's require colleagues to be UK residents, based in the UK and to complete their roles from within the UK (with the exception of colleagues providing Barnardo's services in Jersey and colleagues who live in the Republic of Ireland providing services in Northern Ireland)

The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
Service related sick pay from day 1
Cycle2work scheme
Interest free season ticket loans
20% discount at Barnardo's stores
Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

Reference number:22979
Job Title:Outreach Support Worker (Rural)
Location:Caithness and Sutherland
Locality:Highland
Contract type:Permanent
Hours:37
Salary:£26,003.00 - £27,592.00
Closing Date:25 May 2026
Interview Date:To be confirmed

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Outreach Support Worker (Rural)

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