At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide person-centred care to help individuals live independently.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Smiddybrae House, making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and shift allowances.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a rewarding and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 33407 - 34086 £ per year.
Smiddybrae House
37 hours per week
Permanent
£33,407 - £34,086 per year
£17.32 - £17.67 per hour
The above amounts include Shift Allowance and Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to a Senior Social Care Worker. Your working pattern is on a shift rota basis, including work on weekends, evenings and public holidays. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
Your work will include providing person centred care to individuals to enable them to live as independently as possible, in line with the principles of the Health and Social Care Standards and the Scottish Social Services Council Codes of Practice and local and national policies in relation to the protection of vulnerable adults.
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 29 March 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 30 March 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 6 April 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Joanna Nicolson at 01856 771100.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Social Care Assistant - Smiddybrae - ORK10059 employer: Orkney Islands Council
At Smiddybrae House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Social Care Assistants. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee development, we empower our staff to provide person-centred care while promoting their own professional growth. Located in the beautiful Orkney Islands, our team enjoys a unique work-life balance amidst stunning natural surroundings, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assistant - Smiddybrae - ORK10059
✨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 - ORK10059
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.
