At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to live independently and access community activities.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to inclusivity and high-quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with shift work and sleep-in requirements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 20.85 - 20.85 £ per hour.
27.17 hours per week Permanent £35,974 - £36,717 / £37,587 - £40,219 pro rata £18.65 - £19.03 / £19.48 - £20.85 per hour. The above amounts include shift allowance and Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Senior Social Care Worker. Your working pattern is shift working over seven days including weekends and public holidays. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible. As part of the rota, sleep ins are required. These are paid at a hourly rate on top of the weekly contracted hours.
This service provides high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and their families, enabling independence and inclusion in the community. The purpose of this role is to support individuals living independently in their own homes in Kirkwall. You will be expected to undertake a keyworker role and lead the support planning and risk assessment processes for service users based in different properties in the service, whilst working collaboratively with the Senior Social Care Worker and wider teams.
You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, responsive care that supports wellbeing and independent living. You will promote choice, dignity and wellbeing, and support individuals to develop and maintain independence in daily living tasks. The role also involves assisting people to access community activities such as music events, cinema trips and other social opportunities.
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
- carry out sleep ins at your place of work on a rota
This post is a regulated role with adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership. Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 26 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact the Senior Social Care Worker or Registered Manager.
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.
Peripatetic Social Care Worker, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10570 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those embarking on a career in social care. With a focus on employee growth through practical experience and training towards an SVQ 2 in Social Services and Healthcare, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults within the community. The council promotes flexible working patterns and values diversity, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking rewarding employment in a caring profession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peripatetic Social Care Worker, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10570 in Kirkwall
✨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 Peripatetic Social Care Worker, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10570 in Kirkwall
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.
