At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and young people in schools and communities through engaging activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and the chance to impact young lives positively.
- Other info: Full driving licence needed; enjoy a supportive work environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of children's development and help them thrive in their communities.
- Qualifications: HNC/SVQ level in relevant fields or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 19149 - 19149 £ per year.
18 hours per week, fixed term to 31 March 2027
£17,772 - £19,149 per annum, inclusive of £1,458 Distant Islands Allowance
The post holder will support the inclusion, attainment and achievement of vulnerable children and young people in school, home and community settings through direct work with children and young people, their families, and other support staff, as part of an Integrated Children’s Services approach.
Duties will vary between settings, depending on the needs of the children and young people involved but could include the following:
- Assisting in the design of Behaviour Management Programmes for vulnerable young people;
- Working in family settings and out of school settings to support young people through recreational activities, vocational experiences, group work and independent living;
- Directly managing the behaviour of young people with challenging behaviour;
- Participating in early identification and intervention programmes by monitoring attendance and liaison with school staff.
You must have knowledge of educational provision, including post-school provisions along with a good understanding of the needs of children who need to be looked after and/or accommodated. It is essential you have the ability to work with and understand young people who may have complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The post holder must be educated to HNC/SVQ level in a relevant area (Education, Social Work, Psychology or Health) or equivalent vocational qualification or relevant work experience. A full driving licence is essential for this post.
This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as a legal requirement of a regulated role with Children.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Please note that the Comhairle operates security measures to protect its information and systems. Employees are required to comply with information security policies and may be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or other approved authentication methods when accessing Comhairle systems.
Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2026
Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.
Please note that sponsorship is not available, or being offered, in connection to this post.
Children’s Services Support Worker (Early Years), Uist & Barra - CNS06632 in Kirkwall employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
At Grianan Day Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Special Carers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development, including the chance to achieve qualifications in care. Our team-oriented culture, combined with the unique benefits of working in a beautiful location, ensures that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children’s Services Support Worker (Early Years), Uist & Barra - CNS06632 in Kirkwall
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Children’s Services Support Worker (Early Years), Uist & Barra - CNS06632 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Children’s Services Support Worker (Early Years), Uist & Barra - CNS06632 role at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Comhairle nan Eilean Siar that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
