At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Children and Families Team as a Social Worker, supporting children and families in need.
- Company: Orkney Health and Care is dedicated to improving lives through effective social services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in Social Work and be registered with the SSSC.
- Other info: Interview expenses covered; part-time hours considered.
The predicted salary is between 46365 - 49157 £ per year.
Location: Council Offices Kirkwall Orkney, KW15 1NY
Salary: £46,365 – £49,157 per year dependent on experience
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per year
Advert
ORKNEY HEALTH AND CARE
Children, Families and Justice Services
Social Worker
35 hours per week
Permanent
We would also consider applicants interested in part time hours.
We are looking to appoint a qualified Social Worker to join our well-established Children and Families Team.
Applications will be welcomed from experienced and newly qualified Social Workers. You will be part of a small team covering the full range of statutory duties. You will be expected to undertake standby duty on a rota basis. We will provide regular supervision and guidance within a supportive team.
Orkney Health and Care have a strong commitment to Getting it Right for Every Child. We are investing in our preventive work and whole family approaches on a multi – agency basis.
We also have a renewed focus on evidence- based assessment and decision making in permanence work. We are committed to encouraging and supporting our staff to develop their career through local and national training opportunities and continuing professional development.
You will hold a degree or post graduate qualification in Social Work, which allows registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Social Worker. You must be registered with SSSC, although applications from candidates currently in process of registration may be considered.
You must be able to travel efficiently and effectively, between various work locations within Orkney, in order to meet the operational requirements of the service.
This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children and protected adults.
Prospective applicants are invited to discuss the post by contacting Alanna Burns, Acting Service Manager, Children and Families Team on 01856 873535 ext. 2675 or alanna.burns@orkney.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 10 August 2025
Please note that interview expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council policy.
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Social Worker employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of 'Getting it Right for Every Child' (GIRFEC) as this is a key focus for the role. Understanding how this framework influences practice will help you demonstrate your alignment with the organisation's values during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to Alanna Burns, the Acting Service Manager, for an informal chat about the position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any experience you have with multi-agency work or evidence-based assessments in your conversations. Being able to discuss specific examples will set you apart and show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you understand the travel requirements for the role. Being able to articulate how you plan to manage travel between various locations within Orkney will demonstrate your readiness to meet the operational needs of the service.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with Orkney Health and Care's commitment to Getting it Right for Every Child and their focus on evidence-based assessment.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in social work, particularly in children and families services. Emphasise any qualifications, training, or professional development that aligns with the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for social work and how your values align with those of Orkney Health and Care. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to meet the operational requirements of the service.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common social work scenarios and how you would handle them. Be ready to discuss your approach to multi-agency collaboration and evidence-based decision making.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker within the Children and Families Team. Familiarise yourself with the statutory duties and the importance of evidence-based assessment, as this will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Whether you're newly qualified or an experienced Social Worker, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work. Highlight situations where you've successfully implemented multi-agency approaches or made impactful decisions in children's welfare.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the council's commitment to 'Getting it Right for Every Child'. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Express your dedication to continuous professional development and how you plan to contribute to the team's goals. Mention any relevant training or courses you've undertaken, and how they align with the council's focus on preventive work and whole family approaches.