At a Glance
- 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, sleep-in allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team environment and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while promoting dignity and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care preferred; commitment to training required.
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.
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.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 21 June 2026.
Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join Orkney Health and Care as a Social Care Assistant, where you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with learning disabilities in the beautiful setting of Kirkwall. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to social inclusion, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in your community while enjoying competitive pay and benefits, including sleep-in allowances. With a focus on person-centred care, you'll find a rewarding environment that values your contributions and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 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
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to social care. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your person-centred approach and communication skills. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 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 adults with learning disabilities shine through in your application. We love candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to 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, making 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 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 Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with person-centred care, supporting individuals with learning disabilities, and the importance of promoting independence and wellbeing. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in communication, support planning, and risk assessment. Think about times when 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 shows that you’re serious about quality care and understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about 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.
