At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults and those with learning disabilities in a dynamic social work role.
- Company: Join the Orkney Islands Council, committed to equal opportunities and community support.
- Benefits: Earn £26.31 per hour with flexible hours and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Engage in a supportive team environment with training and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in Social Work and be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.
The predicted salary is between 26.31 - 26.31 £ per hour.
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.
Social Worker, Adult Services
Hours are offered on an as and when required basis £26.31 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance).
You will be reporting to Lynne Nicolson, Team Manager Adult Services. The purpose of this role is to undertake Social Work responsibilities and tasks for adults and those with a diagnosed learning disability, in accordance with statutory requirements and service policies and procedures.
We are looking to appoint a qualified Social Worker to join our well-established team. Our work is with adults from 16 years old, including older people, and there is significant emphasis on Adult Support and Protection and the prevention of hospital admission and discharge planning. Outcomes focused principles are at the heart of our practice as is recovery and reablement.
We run a duty system which covers a number of other teams and organisations. Social Workers take part in the emergency out of hours social work rota. We are looking for an energetic and imaginative Social Worker who can make the best use of local resources and work in a supportive team.
We are committed to encouraging and supporting our staff to develop their career through local and national training opportunities and continuing professional development.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are a degree or Post Graduate Qualification in Social Work that allows registration with the Scottish Social Service Council as a Social Worker. You are required to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Social Worker although applications for those currently in process of registration may be considered.
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 28 June 2026 with shortlisting taking place week commencing 29 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for 8 and 9 July 2026.
For a discussion about this post, please contact Lynne Nicolson, Team Manager, Adult Services at , or on ext. 2663.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants. We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Relief Social Worker - ORK10479 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Relief Social Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities while benefiting from flexible hours and access to local and national training opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all staff, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Social Worker - ORK10479
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Orkney Islands Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Social Worker - ORK10479
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Orkney Islands Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Orkney Islands Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Orkney Islands Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Relief Social Worker - ORK10479 role at Orkney Islands Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Orkney Islands Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
