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- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently and access community activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team providing high-quality, person-centred care in Kirkwall.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 35974 - 40219 £ per year.
As part of the rota, sleeps are available as service requirement. These are paid at a 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 support 3 individuals living independently in their own home in Kirkwall. You will be expected to undertake a keyworker role and lead the support planning and risk assessment processes, whilst working collaboratively with the Senior Social Care Worker and wider team. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, responsive care that supports wellbeing and independent living.
This service provides high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities and their families, enabling independence and inclusion in the community. You will promote choice, dignity and wellbeing, and support individuals to develop and maintain independence in daily living tasks. The role also involves assisting people to access community activities such as music events, cinema trips and other social opportunities.
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
This post is a regulated role with adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 31 May 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 01 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 15 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Senior Social Care Worker or Registered Manager on 01856 871431.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Worker, Short Breaks and Support Living Network - ORK10320 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 Worker, Short Breaks and Support Living Network - ORK10320 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's values and mission. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and allow you to refine your responses, making you feel more confident when it’s your turn.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! As a Social Care Worker, your ability to communicate and empathise is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to support individuals and enhance their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Worker, Short Breaks and Support Living Network - ORK10320 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 Worker. We want to see how you can contribute to supporting individuals in their independent living journey.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social care shine through! Share specific examples of how you've promoted choice, dignity, and wellbeing in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants communicate effectively, as it reflects the clarity needed in the role.
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 position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Care Worker in the Short Breaks and Supported Living Network. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like person-centred support, risk assessment, and independent living. 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 support individuals with learning disabilities. Think about times when you've promoted independence or facilitated community activities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the support planning process, or how they measure success in this role. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about contributing positively to their team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to the role. Practice responding to scenarios involving conflict resolution, supporting someone in distress, or adapting care plans. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet.