At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges and provide essential care management.
- Company: Join Orkney Health and Care, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Earn £24.67 per hour with flexible working hours and remote support.
- Other info: Enjoy regular supervision and access to necessary equipment for your role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered social worker with a Mental Health Officer qualification.
The predicted salary is between 24.67 - 24.67 £ per hour.
Relief Mental Health Officer
Adult and Learning Disability Social Work Team - Aberdeen / Aberdeenshire
Hours are offered on an as and when required basis at £24.67 per hour.
You will be reporting to Cathy Martin, Service Manager, Adult and Learning Disability Social Work Service.
Your working pattern is on an as and when required basis to meet the demands of the service.
The purpose of this role is to undertake the statutory duties in respect of the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, and on occasion the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, to Orkney patients.
Deliver a statutory social work/care management service to service users, who have complex needs and/or are in crisis, their families and carers who are experiencing or are affected by mental illness or serious mental health problems.
Undertake all Mental Health Officer (MHO) functions under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment)(Scotland) Act 2003, Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act, 2000 and all other relevant, applicable and ancillary legislation as an independent professional on behalf of Orkney Islands Council and to act as specialist consultants to a wide range of others.
We would like to recruit a registered social worker who holds a Mental Health Officer qualification to undertake occasional Mental Health Officer duties when Orkney patients are in hospital in Aberdeen.
The successful candidate will predominantly undertake assessments under Section 44 Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 following the patient’s transfer to Aberdeen from Orkney; however, there may also be a requirement to undertake additional Mental Health Officer related tasks as required.
The successful candidate will be employed by Orkney Health and Care but will be based in the Aberdeen area and work on a relief basis as agreed with the Team Manager or Service Manager, Adult and Learning Disability Social Work. Although the successful candidate will be working remotely, regular support will be provided when required from Orkney’s MHO cohort. Regular supervision will also be provided.
A laptop, phone and any other equipment necessary to carry out duties will be provided to the successful candidate.
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 is a regulated role with children and adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 18 October 2026, with shortlisting taking place 19 October and interviews are scheduled for 2 November.
For a discussion about this post, please contact Cathy Martin, Service Manager, Adult and Learning Disability Social Work Service on 01856 873535 2644 or cathy.martin@orkney.gov.uk.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
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.
Relief Mental Health Officer (MHO) - ORK10803 in Kirkwall 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 Relief Mental Health Officer (MHO) - ORK10803 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 Orkney Islands Council, 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 Relief Mental Health Officer (MHO) - ORK10803 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 Orkney Islands Council. 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 Orkney Islands Council. 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 Orkney Islands Council
✨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 Orkney Islands Council.
✨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 Relief Mental Health Officer (MHO) - ORK10803 role at Orkney Islands Council, 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 Orkney Islands Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
