At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a residential setting, ensuring their care and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Orkney Islands Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Earn £17.09 - £17.85 per hour with shift allowances for unsocial hours.
- Other info: Flexible hours on an as-needed basis, perfect for students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 17.85 - 17.85 £ per hour.
Hours are offered on an as and when required basis.
£17.09 / £17.85 per hour (Including Distant Islands Allowance).
A shift allowance will be paid for unsocial hours worked where appropriate.
You will be reporting to the Senior Social Care Worker. Your working pattern will be as and when required.
The purpose of this role is 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, attending to their general care and wellbeing; including assisting with personal care in keeping with the standards of care required by the Care Inspectorate.
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 by 23:59 on Sunday 9 August 2026, with shortlisting taking place the w/c Monday 10 August 2026 and interviews are scheduled for w/c Monday 17 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Ewan Greenwood, Manager at ewan.greenwood@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873135.
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 Social Care Worker, Children's Residential Services - ORK10648 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 Relief Social Care Worker, Children's Residential Services - ORK10648 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 Worker, Children's Residential Services - ORK10648 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 Worker, Children's Residential Services - ORK10648 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.
