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- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in daily living and community activities.
- Company: Orkney Health and Care, dedicated to person-centred support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and sleep-in allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care preferred; commitment to social inclusion essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 34468 - 35168 £ per year.
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.
Requirements
- This post involves a contractual requirement to work unsocial hours on a rota.
- 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 Joanna Nicholson, 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 3 May 2026. Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.
Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10258 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) - ORK10258 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 interviews by practising common questions related to social care. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of a Social Care Assistant. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for person-centred care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to promoting independence and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10258 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, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting adults with learning disabilities shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to promoting independence and wellbeing, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with person-centred care principles and how they apply to supporting adults with learning disabilities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in communication, support planning, and promoting independence. Think about situations where you've successfully helped someone transition to independent living or engaged them in community activities.
✨Understand the Standards
Brush up on the Health and Social Care Standards and Care Inspectorate requirements. Being able to discuss these during your interview will show that you are serious about providing high-quality care and are committed to professional standards.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.