Careers

You can find everything you need to know about how you can progress your career and life by working for us.

Would you like to join our Board?

We are looking for Trustees committed to making a difference for the people we support in long-term supported accommodation and through our community outreach services, who have been affected by homelessness, addiction, and social isolation.

Click here to find out more about Board roles

Join the Rowan Alba Board to help our mission to break the cycle of homelessness by empowering marginalised people to rebuild their lives with dignity, permanence, and compassion, without judgement.

In particular, we are looking for passionate and committed people who have professional experience in the Legal, Communications & Public Relations and Human Resources sectors.

Calum Wilson, Chair of the Rowan Alba Board said:

“It’s really rewarding to be part of the Rowan Alba Board, and we’d love to bring in more people who want to use their experience to support its amazing work. You’ll be supporting a charity which has built a supportive community for individuals facing complex challenges including homelessness, addiction, trauma, and social isolation.”

Meeting four times a year, in Edinburgh, we can support you if this is your first time on a Board. You just need to bring your experience and a commitment to our mission to support the people we help to find their safe space and a true sense of belonging in society, where their lifestyle, shaped by previous trauma is accepted.

⏰ Applications close Friday 25th September 2026 

Application form

Supporting documents

To apply, complete the Application form and return it to our CEO Karen Barr using the details below:

📧Email: KBarr@rowanalba.org

Thank you for taking the time to consider joining our Board. If you have any questions send an email to KBarr@rowanalba.org

 

What makes Rowan Alba a different kind of employer?

At Rowan Alba we understand that we all have different journeys. We believe that people change and no one should be written off without being given another chance. 

Why is this important when it comes to our staff?

Because we believe in people and value their lived experiences we foster a culture of personal development and peer support. Many of our staff began as volunteers or service users and as their skills grew they took on paid roles. Rowan Alba has a structured framework for career development, which is as supportive of our employees as our tenants. By joining us you will have opportunities to grow professionally and personally, whilst doing life-changing work.

Current Opportunities

Rowan Alba offers a challenging, yet supportive working environment within a friendly and forward thinking charity. Below you will find all the exciting new opportunities that we have to offer.

Shared Services Support Worker / Key Worker

  • Full time
  • £27,500
  • On site: Edinburgh
  • Closing 18th September 2026
  • Advertised from 19th June 2026
  • 39 hours per week


Role

Aspen Tree House is a Rapid Access accommodation, one of only 4 Rapid Access accommodation in Edinburgh. It provides accommodation for 15 men aged 18 and above. We work with the Street Team who bring people who are sleeping rough straight into the accommodation. Our aim is to set up benefits, EdIndex, housing benefit and bank accounts and then move people on to a temporary accommodation of their choice until they get their own tenancy. Aspen is also pet friendly.

The Shared Services Support Worker will provide housing support, both practical and emotional support to residents using our service that promotes choice, inclusion in community of choice and encourages personal responsibility. They will work with CEC and staff to support people to keep their tenancy, through ‘Letters of Support’ and positive move ons where possible. The Shared Services Support Worker will be an effective team player in a challenging environment and establish and maintain positive professional relationships with a range of external services. The Shared Services Support Worker will also maintain the building protocols such as, fire testing, reporting repairs, checking and reporting on equipment, preparing for PAT, daily cleaning duties and alerting the Service Lead to any concerns or issues arising.

 

Application notes

To apply, please send your CV/Cover Letter to hradmin@rowanalba.org


Downloads

Job Description & Person Specification

Night Worker / Concierge - Birken Tree House

  • Full time
  • £25,700
  • On site: Birken Tree House, Edinburgh
  • Closing 2nd September 2026
  • Advertised from 5th August 2026
  • 36.75 hours per week.
  •  

Role

Due to the nature of our residential services, we are looking for female applicants only.
 
In our temporary supported accommodations, the core purpose of this job is to support people who are experiencing homelessness, to build the skills and support networks they need to prepare them for independent living when they move into their own tenancy.

In our supported settled accommodations, the core purpose is to support people who have experienced homelessness and have complex needs, to give them a secure home for life in a supported environment.

The Night Concierge will work with the people we support to provide positive, and emotional support that promotes choice and encourages personal responsibility.

To maintain a clean environment for all.

Birken Tree House and Upper Gilmour place is a long term supported accommodation for women. Each tenant has their own self-contained living space with an en-suite bathroom, while shared kitchen, lounge, and outdoor areas offer opportunities for social connection and skill-building. With 24/7 on-site support, our team helps tenants develop confidence and independence through activities like cooking, arts, and crafts in a safe and welcoming environment. Support is tailored to each tenant’s needs, whether that’s connecting with healthcare providers, mental health or addiction support, scheduling appointments, learning essential life skills, or simply having someone to share a coffee or a walk with. From exploring new hobbies to building lasting stability and security, our team is always there to provide support.

A full Job Description is available for download here.

Application notes

To apply please send a cover letter and CV to hradmin@rowanalba.org

Night Worker / Concierge - Stramullion
  • Full time
  • On site: Stramullion, Edinburgh
  • £25,700
  • 36.75 hours per week
  • Advertised from 5th August 2026
  • Closing 2nd September 2026

Role

Due to the nature of our residential services, we are looking for female applicants only.
 
In our temporary supported accommodations, the core purpose of this job is to support people who are experiencing homelessness, to build the skills and support networks they need to prepare them for independent living when they move into their own tenancy.

In our supported settled accommodations, the core purpose is to support people who have experienced homelessness and have complex needs, to give them a secure home for life in a supported environment.

The Night Concierge will work with the people we support to provide positive, and emotional support that promotes choice and encourages personal responsibility.

To maintain a clean environment for all.

Stramullion provides a safe and supportive home for ten women, as they rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness and the impacts of this on their health. Two residents share an apartment, with shared kitchen and lounge. The service has an outdoor space which can offer a sense of community. The name Stramullion – Scots for ‘strong woman’ – reflects our commitment to helping residents regain stability and confidence. Our team fosters this strength by creating a safe, welcoming space and offering opportunities for creative expression through cooking and activities, experiences our residents may never have had the opportunity to enjoy before.

A full Job Description is available for download here.

Application notes

To apply please send send a cover letter and CV to hradmin@rowanalba.org

Residential Services - Locum Support Worker

We are looking for flexible, dynamic individuals to join our friendly organisation as Locum Support Workers at our residential services in Edinburgh.

As a Locum Support Worker you will provide housing-related support services to a wide range of individuals. Your role will be to provide tailored support to help address the individual needs of the client to maximise their independence. You will be a self-motivated, solution focused and a forward thinker. You will need to work well, both individually and as part of a team.

Please note: this job is shift cover only, not full time.

If you think you can do a remarkable job for us, then we’d love to hear from you. Please send an email to hradmin@rowanalba.org
We will then send you an application form.

Do you have questions about working with us?

If you aren’t at the point of wanting to apply but have questions, use the form below to contact us.

None of these opportunities right for you?

Our volunteering options offer an excellent pathway to employment
Go to Volunteering