At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care and support for individuals in a vibrant community setting.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and fulfilling experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying diverse activities with those you support.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or a passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34468 - 35168 £ per year.
Social Care Assistant
Short Breaks and Supported Living Network
2 x 24 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. As part of the rota, sleep ins are required. These are paid at an hourly rate on top of the weekly contracted hours.
You will be reporting to the Senior Social Care Worker and Registered Manager. Your working pattern is shift working over seven days; we are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality, responsive care that promotes independence and wellbeing. You will support individuals that are using Short Breaks Respite Service in Kirkwall. Your role includes supporting daily living tasks and helping the individual access community activities such as music, social events, cinema, swimming, walking and day trips.
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 14 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place on 15 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 21 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role contact Joanna Nicholson, Registered Manager at joanna.nicholson@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 871431.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, please refer to the relevant information.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Assistant (2 Posts), Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10371 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join our dedicated team as a Social Care Assistant in Kirkwall, where we prioritise high-quality care and support for individuals in our Short Breaks Respite Service. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering flexible working patterns and additional pay for sleep-ins, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant (2 Posts), Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10371 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for social care roles and practice your answers. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for care! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you love working in social care. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant (2 Posts), Short Breaks and Supported Living Network - ORK10371 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills match what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when you personalise your cover letter and CV to highlight your relevant experience in social care. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the Social Care Assistant role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Social Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like supporting daily living activities and promoting independence. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide high-quality care. Think about situations where you've supported individuals or worked in a team, especially in challenging environments. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the types of activities you'll be involved in, or how they measure success in this role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about making a positive impact.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Discussion
Since this role involves shift work and sleep-ins, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Highlight your willingness to adapt to different schedules and how you manage work-life balance. This will reassure them that you're ready for the demands of the position.
