Social Care careers in Shetland

The Supported Living (SL) Service, operated by Shetland Islands Council, aims to enable people to live as full, independent and meaningful a life as possible. The service makes a real difference in the lives of adults with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism.

The service aims to promote independence by empowering individuals to make their own choices and engage fully with the opportunities available to them across Shetland. Our approach is grounded in inclusion, building strong relationships that foster genuine connections with family, friends and the wider community.

Working alongside individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism is deeply rewarding, offering meaningful opportunities to support people in living fulfilling and empowered lives.

The service also places a strong emphasis on staff development, offering ongoing learning opportunities within the workplace. This makes it an excellent career choice for anyone looking to develop new skills and gain further qualifications.

Newcraigielea is a residential care service, operated by Shetland Islands Council, offering short-stay and respite for adults with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism. These breaks may take place during the day or evening, and for some individuals include overnight stays.

Short breaks provide valuable benefits to the individuals who access Newcraigielea and also offers carers the opportunity to step back from their caring role for a short time.

The service is designed around each individual, ensuring they receive personalised care, support with daily living and opportunities to engage in meaningful activities and recreational pursuits.

Working alongside individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism is deeply rewarding, offering meaningful opportunities to support people in living fulfilling and empowered lives.

The service also places a strong emphasis on staff development, offering ongoing learning opportunities within the workplace. This makes it an excellent career choice for anyone looking to develop new skills and gain further qualifications.

The Eric Gray @ Seafield (EG@S) centre, operated by Shetland Islands Council, offers a wide range of daytime opportunities for individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism. We provide a person‑centred programme of activities that prioritises community involvement and access to supported further education. All activities are meaningful, engaging, and tailored to each person’s abilities, goals, and interests.

Regular reviews are held to ensure that support remains appropriate and responsive to individual needs, with an overarching aim of fostering independence, enhancing social connection and developing practical life skills.

The centre hosts several dedicated teams who work closely together, as well as with partner organisations, to broaden opportunities. This collaborative approach helps people take part in community life, providing a supportive approach to access social and leisure activities and explore pathways into further education, or employment as appropriate.

Working alongside individuals with additional support needs and autism is deeply rewarding, offering meaningful opportunities to support people in living fulfilling and empowered lives.

The service also places a strong emphasis on staff development, offering ongoing learning opportunities within the workplace. This makes it an excellent career choice for anyone looking to develop new skills and gain further qualifications.

The Assertive Community Transition (ACT) service, operated by Shetland Islands Council, is focused on enabling people in Shetland who have complex needs, learning disabilities and autism to receive the care and support they require within the islands. ACT provides a flexible and responsive service to support individuals to remain in Shetland, provided that the service has the capacity to safely and effectively meet their assessed needs.

ACT supports individuals to develop the skills and confidence needed for successful daily living and active citizenship. Support may include building social skills, positive behaviour support, budgeting, practical life skills and emotional and wellbeing support.

Working alongside individuals with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism is deeply rewarding, offering meaningful opportunities to support people in living fulfilling and empowered lives.

The service also places a strong emphasis on staff development, offering ongoing learning opportunities within the workplace. This makes it an excellent career choice for anyone looking to develop new skills and gain further qualifications.