At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in their journey to independence and community inclusion.
- Company: Join Orkney Health and Care, a dedicated team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sleep-in allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with flexible hours and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on individuals' lives while promoting choice and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care preferred; commitment to training required.
The predicted salary is between 18.23 - 18.23 £ per hour.
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.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 in Orkney 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 providing high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering opportunities for training and advancement while ensuring a supportive environment that values dignity and wellbeing. Located in the beautiful Orkney Islands, you will enjoy a rewarding career that not only enhances the lives of those you support but also enriches your own through meaningful community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 in Orkney
✨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, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our job listings for any new opportunities that pop up in the Short Breaks and Supported Living Network.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Short Breaks and Supported Living Network (2 Posts) - ORK10454 in Orkney
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’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to promoting independence and wellbeing.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your relevant experience 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 knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in supporting individuals, especially those transitioning to independent living. Think about times when you've promoted choice and dignity, and be ready to discuss how you handled challenges in a caring environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support planning processes, or community activities you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in social care roles. Be honest about your motivations for applying and your approach to care. Let your passion for promoting independence and wellbeing shine through, as this is what the interviewers will be looking for in a candidate.
