At a Glance
- Tasks: Support service users with their social and personal care needs in a caring environment.
- Company: Join Orkney Islands Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Golden Hello payment, flexible working, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Shift work over 7 days with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 18.23 - 18.23 £ per hour.
Social Care Assistant at Smiddybrae House, 37 hours per week, Permanent.
Salary: £34,468 - £35,168 (£17.87 - £18.23 per hour). The above amounts include shift allowance and Distant Islands Allowance. This post also attracts a Golden Hello Payment of £2,000 and is eligible for the Refer a Friend Scheme payment of £750.
You will be reporting to a Senior Social Care Worker. Your working pattern is shift working over 7 days on a rota basis. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is 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 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 26 July 2026, with shortlisting taking place 27 July 2026 and interviews scheduled for 3 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Erin Johnston, Registered Manager at erin.johnston@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 771 100.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant, Smiddybrae House - ORK10578
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Orkney Islands Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Orkney Islands Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Orkney Islands Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Orkney Islands Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assistant, Smiddybrae House - ORK10578
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Orkney Islands Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Orkney Islands Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
