At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in their homes, helping them live independently and stay connected.
- Company: Sunnybrae Centre, a compassionate care provider with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Earn £16.38 per hour, with shift allowances for unsocial hours.
- Other info: Flexible relief position with opportunities for personal growth and community connection.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in care.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, dependable, and ready to learn; experience in care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 16.38 - 16.38 £ per hour.
Relief Social Care Assistant at Sunnybrae Centre. Hours are offered on an as and when required basis. A shift allowance will be paid for unsocial hours worked where appropriate. £16.38 per hour. The above amount includes Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Care Co-ordinator. This is a relief position, for inclusion on a list of people available for offers of work as and when required.
The purpose of this role is to support adults living in their own homes at Sunnybrae to live as independently as possible. This could include helping with daily routines, supporting people to stay active, assisting with meals and personal care, or simply spending time chatting and helping someone feel connected to their community.
Based in Sunnybrae Centre, you’ll work closely with colleagues and senior staff, taking initiative, sharing ideas, and contributing to a supportive team culture where everyone’s input is valued. This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and ready to develop their skills and confidence in care.
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 adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 28 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Emmy Lutz, Registered Manager, on emmy.lutz@orkney.gov.uk or 01856 875736.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants. We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Relief Social Care Assistant - ORK10472 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
At Sunnybrae Centre, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values compassion and teamwork. Our supportive work culture encourages personal and professional growth, offering flexible relief positions that allow you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults in our community. With competitive pay and a commitment to employee development, joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group focused on enhancing the independence and well-being of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Social Care Assistant - ORK10472 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 Social Care Assistant - ORK10472 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 Social Care Assistant - ORK10472 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.
