At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs and collaborate with community teams.
- Company: Shetland Islands Council, a supportive and dynamic workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, and excellent work/life balance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying stunning island scenery.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with a Mental Health Officer qualification.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Mental Health Officer (MHO) in the Adult Social Work Team in Shetland. The team provides a service to adults with wide and varying support needs. However, MHOs hold a more specialised mental health caseload, which involves working closely with the Community Mental Health Team and other partner agencies. The work can be challenging but very rewarding.
The Adult Social Work Team is a supportive team where colleagues work close together and regular supervision is provided. Workloads are manageable and good training opportunities are available.
As a Social Worker for Shetland Islands Council you will benefit from:
- Working in a supportive team
- Good training opportunities
- Excellent Terms and Conditions
- Distant islands allowance
- A comprehensive relocation package
- A varied workload and career development opportunities
- A chance to work across a range of island communities
- A stress-free commute to work
- A good work/life balance
Enquiries are welcome from registered Social Workers who hold a Mental Health Officer award qualification. In the event there are not sufficient applications from individuals holding an MHO qualification then consideration may also be given to applicants who have an equivalent UK qualification, such as AMHP.
Additional Information:
- The grade of this post is K
- Permanent Full Time post for 37.0 Hours per Week, 52.18 weeks per year
- Preferred candidates will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update prior to a formal offer of employment being made
- The successful candidate will have to complete registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) when they begin in post
- The postholder will be required to participate on the MHO office and out of hours first contactable rota, in addition to the Social Work out of hours rota
- A relocation package does apply to this post
- We will pay interview expenses from within the UK
- You must have the ability to travel throughout Shetland at short notice and where public transport is limited
- We are happy to talk flexible working
This post is based at Grantfield, Lerwick, Shetland.
Information about Shetland: Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you'll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland's impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
Social Worker - Mental Health Officer - Adult Social Work - SIC08925 in Lerwick employer: Shetland Islands Council
Join a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to fostering the growth and development of children in our Early Learning and Childcare settings. Our organisation prioritises employee well-being with flexible working hours, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that values each individual's contributions. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact on young lives while advancing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Mental Health Officer - Adult Social Work - SIC08925 in Lerwick
✨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 Shetland 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 Shetland 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 Shetland 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 Shetland 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 Worker - Mental Health Officer - Adult Social Work - SIC08925 in Lerwick
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 Shetland Islands Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Shetland 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 Shetland 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.
