At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and organise fun activities for individuals and groups, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join Orkney Islands Council, a supportive employer with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and the chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: If you love helping others and enjoy planning engaging activities, this role is perfect for you!
- Qualifications: Experience supporting older people and a passion for community engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 18.23 - 18.23 £ per hour.
Job Description
Check all associated application documentation thoroughly before clicking on the apply button at the bottom of this description.
Advert Activities Facilitator Smiddybrae House 22.2 hours per week Permanent £34,468 - £35,168 pro rata £17.87 - £18.23 per hour The above amounts include shift and Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to a Senior Social Care Worker.
Your working pattern is shift working over 7 days, we are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to take the lead for organising and facilitating meaningful activities both in a group and on an individual basis with the support of your colleagues.
A degree of flexibility will be required in delivery of this role, to accommodate activities which occur at different times of the day/week.
If you have a passion for making a difference to people's lives, have a strong community spirit and enjoy taking part and organising a variety of fun filled activities then this is the job for you.
You will be required to carry out tasks and duties delegated by senior staff in an effective and efficient manner, ensuring at all times the social and domestic care needs of service users.
You will observe the principles of confidentiality in all aspects of practice and ensure the safety and comfort of service users engaging in activities.
Previous experience of supporting older people, people with dementia and those who are physically frail is essential.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile.
These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post involves a contractual requirement to
- work unsocial hours on a rota, click here for Unsocial Hours Information.
This post is a regulated role with adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 27 September 2026, with shortlisting taking place 1 October 2026 and interviews are scheduled for 9 October 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Erin Johnston at or on For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process. xcunqrw Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Activities Facilitator, Smiddybrae House - ORK10745 in Cambridge employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and community engagement. As a Community Payback Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives while benefiting from professional growth and development in a collaborative environment. Located in Kirkwall, you will enjoy the unique advantages of working in a picturesque setting, with access to various community resources and partnerships that enhance your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Facilitator, Smiddybrae House - ORK10745 in Cambridge
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Orkney Islands Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Orkney Islands Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Orkney Islands Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Orkney Islands Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Facilitator, Smiddybrae House - ORK10745 in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Orkney Islands Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Orkney Islands Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
