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- Tasks: Support Foster Carers and young people, advocating for their rights in a trauma-informed way.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Regulated role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Good education, HNC Social Care and SVQ 3 required within 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 31356 - 31995 £ per year.
20 hours per week
Temporary up to 1 May 2028
£31,356 - £31,995 / £32,743 - £35,006 pro rata
£17.18 - £17.53 / £17.94 - £19.18 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Team Manager, Fostering, Adoption and Kinship. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday working. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to support Foster Carers, Adopters, Kinship Carers, Unpaid Carers and Children with Disabilities, with a particular focus on young people receiving After Care support. There will be involvement in support groups, contributing to assessments and support plans and advocating for young peoples’ rights all undertaken in a trauma informed manner.
The necessary experience and skills required for this role are detailed in full in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
The specific qualification requirements for the role are:
- For appointment at grade E: Applicants should have a good general standard of education, including literacy and numeracy skills, and are required to achieve an HNC Social Care and SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) within 3 years of appointment.
- For appointment at or progression to grade F: Applicants should hold an HNC Social Care and SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People).
This post is a regulated role with children and adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 10 May 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 11 May 2026 and interviews scheduled for week commencing 18 May 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Diane Petrie, Team Manager, Fostering, Adoption and Kinship at diane.petrie@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants. We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Family Support Worker, Authority Wide Services - ORK10256 in Orkney employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker, Authority Wide Services - ORK10256 in Orkney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker and think about how your experiences align with supporting Foster Carers and young people. This will help you shine during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Family Support Workers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by role-playing with a friend or family member. Focus on scenarios related to trauma-informed care and advocacy for young people's rights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker, Authority Wide Services - ORK10256 in Orkney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role of a Family Support Worker and how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on what’s relevant to supporting Foster Carers, Adopters, and young people. We love seeing real-life examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles or situations.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your qualifications meet the specific requirements listed in the job profile. We appreciate when applicants take the time to personalise their submissions.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Family Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting Foster Carers and advocating for young people's rights. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills in social care, particularly with children and families. Highlight any trauma-informed approaches you've used, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support groups, or the types of assessments you'll be involved in. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your motivations for applying and how you can contribute to the team. Remember, they want to see the real you and how you fit into their culture.