At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care to the elderly and those with dementia in a supportive environment.
- Company: Smiddybrae House, a caring community focused on enhancing lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with a commitment to quality care and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: SVQ2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification required within 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 34468 - 35168 £ per year.
37 hours per week
Permanent
£34,468 - £35,168
£17.87 - £18.23 per hour
The above amounts include Shift Allowance and Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to Senior Social Care Workers. Your working pattern is shift working over 7 days. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to undertake social care responsibilities, providing continuous care to the frail, elderly and those with dementia in our residential care establishment. You will be required to carry out tasks and duties delegated by senior staff in an effective and efficient manner, ensuring at all times the social and domestic care needs of service users.
You will observe the principles of confidentiality in all aspects of practice and ensure the safety and comfort of service users, attending to their general care and wellbeing, including assisting with personal care in keeping with the standards of care required by the Care Inspectorate.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are to hold, or achieve within 3 years of appointment, an SVQ2 (SCQF Level 6) in Health and Social Care, or other equivalent level qualification accepted by SSSC for registration. You must also register with the SSSC as a Support Worker in a Care Home Service for Adults / Housing Support and Care at Home Service.
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 14 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place on 15 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 22 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Caroline Penman at caroline.penman@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 771 100.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Assistant, Smiddybrae House - ORK10366 in Orkney employer: Orkney Islands Council
At Smiddybrae House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and professional growth of our Social Care Assistants. Located in the picturesque Dounby, we offer a supportive work culture that values flexibility and teamwork, alongside competitive pay and benefits including shift allowances. Our commitment to continuous training and development ensures that you can achieve your SVQ2 qualification while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our elderly residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant, Smiddybrae House - ORK10366 in Orkney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Smiddybrae House on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to social care. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for social care! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to providing excellent care. Let them see your heart for the job!
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Smiddybrae House - ORK10366 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 the care of our residents, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Your Passion for Care:In your written application, let us know why you’re passionate about working in social care. Share any personal stories or motivations that drive you to support the elderly and those with dementia. We love hearing what makes you tick!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure to organise your thoughts logically.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Social Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the elderly and those with dementia, as well as the importance of confidentiality and safety in care settings. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your empathy and compassion for service users. Share personal experiences or examples where you've provided care or support to others. This will show that you genuinely care about the role and the people you'll be working with.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific situations in a care environment. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or manage challenging behaviours, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.