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- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in achieving independence and enjoying community activities.
- Company: Join Orkney Health and Care, a dedicated team making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and sleep-in allowances.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on individuals' lives while promoting dignity and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care preferred; commitment to training required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 33 - 34 £ per hour.
ORKNEY HEALTH AND CARE
All Age Disabilities Service
Short Breaks and Supported Living Network
We are seeking two dedicated Social Care Assistants to join our Short Breaks and Supported Living Network Service within Orkney Health and Care. This service provides high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and their families, enabling independence and inclusion in the community.
The post holders will help ensure high-quality, responsive care that promotes independence and wellbeing and will contribute to support planning and risk assessment processes, in collaboration with the Senior Social Care Worker and wider team.
The successful candidates will support an individual who is transitioning to independent living in Kirkwall. You will promote choice, dignity, and wellbeing. The role includes supporting daily living tasks and helping and supporting the individual access community activities such as music, social events, cinema, swimming, walking, and day trips.
These posts will be required to provide overnight support in the form of sleep-in duties, for which the post holder will receive a sleep-in allowance of £14.14 which is equivalent to the Scottish Local Government Living Wage.
Applicants must have a person-centred approach, with excellent communication skills, understand Health and Social Care Standards and Care Inspectorate requirements and be able to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to social inclusion.
Ideally, candidates will hold an SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or other equivalent level qualification to enable registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and have experience supporting adults with learning disabilities. Where the essential qualification is not held, applicants must be willing to achieve this within three years of appointment. Successful applicants must register with the SSSC within 3 months of appointment to the role.
This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with protected adults.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Inga Wilson, Registered Manager, on 01856 871431/01856 871960 or Kristin Soames/Laura Harcus, Senior Social Care Workers on 01856 871431.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 5 April 2026
Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants. We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10170 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10170 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Orkney Health and Care, their values, and the services they provide. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to social care, like how you would handle challenging situations or promote independence. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During the interview, share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10170 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Care Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our Short Breaks and Supported Living Network!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting individuals with learning disabilities shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about promoting independence and wellbeing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Social Care Assistant and the specific needs of adults with learning disabilities. Familiarise yourself with person-centred care principles and the Health and Social Care Standards. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in social care or related fields. Think of specific examples where you've supported individuals, promoted independence, or contributed to care planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support provided for professional development, or how success is measured in this role. It shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can fit into their team.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
During the interview, highlight your commitment to dignity, choice, and wellbeing. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your values and how they align with the mission of Orkney Health and Care. This will help the interviewers see you as a good cultural fit for their organisation.