At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for elderly individuals, promoting their independence and well-being.
- Company: Join South Lanarkshire Council, dedicated to quality community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: SVQ in Social Care Level 2 or 3 preferred; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 15.54 - 15.66 £ per hour.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 13 July 2026 at 11:55pm. Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA OPPORTUNITY MARKETPLACE.
Location: David Walker Gardens, Rutherglen
Hours: various - between 30 and 18hrs per week, permanent
Work Pattern: Combination of early shifts (7.15am - 3.15pm) and late shifts (2.15pm - 10.15pm) incorporating weekend working
Salary / Hourly Rate: £15.54 - £15.66
Within South Lanarkshire Council we are committed to providing a high quality service to people in our community and are seeking enthusiastic people who are flexible, willing to undertake delegated tasks as part of a team. You should be committed to promoting service users independence, rights, choice, individuality and be available to work one of our shift rosters.
The successful candidate will ideally hold a SVQ in Social Care Level 2 or 3 or a HNC in Social Care or be willing to work towards gaining these qualifications. In addition, candidates are required to be registered with SSSC or in the process of registration. Registration will be required within 6 months of commencing employment.
There is a responsibility for the post holder to demonstrate a commitment to quality service delivery through continuous improvement for the benefit of the Service and the Organisation.
You will be required to work shifts: Combination of early shifts (7.15am-3.15pm) and late shifts (2.15pm-10.15pm) incorporating weekend working 8 shifts over a fortnight period. South Lanarkshire Council will provide all required job relevant training including induction and ongoing learning and development.
If you are a caring, patient, compassionate and adaptable individual who understands and respects the rights of other people, we would like to hear from you.
Interviews for these posts will be held face to face.
If you are interested in a role within care you should try SSSC resource called 'A Question of Care' which will help you think about the type of work involved and give you feedback on your responses to typical situations faced in working life. You can access the resource at www.aquestionofcare.org.uk
Please answer the following questions as part of your application submission, your answers should be uploaded under supporting documents:
- Please study the job profile and detail your current and/or previous experience of providing care and welfare for older people. Please also include any other information that you feel is relevant to your application e.g. personal qualities, achievements at work, non-related or voluntary work experience.
- Why do you think you are suitable for this role? (Describe how your skills, knowledge and experience match the person specification, while also explaining your motivation and goals.)
- Why do you want to be a Social Care Assistant?
- Describe your experience working with elderly or disabled individuals. (This could include personal experiences such as a relative or neighbour)
- Have you ever worked with someone who has dementia? If so, how did you manage their care?
- Do you have any experience with meal planning and preparation for service users with special dietary requirements?
- If you noted concerns around a service's poor diet and fluid intake, who do you believe you would raise this concern with and how would you take this?
- How do you ensure that service users are engaged in meaningful activities throughout the day?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively when caring for service users?
- How do you maintain professional boundaries while still providing compassionate care?
- How would you maintain confidentiality in your work as a social care assistant?
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents.
Please Apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
Legislative Information: This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Scotland Act 2020. This post is considered a Regulated Role with Adults, in respect of the Disclosure Scotland Act 2020. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with Adults. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made. Please refer to http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk for further information about the disclosure process and best practice.
Overseas Criminal Records Check: An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusion statement: The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under-represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position. As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
- Occupational sick pay
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support).
SWRK 5026 - G1 Social Care Assistant (605255) employer: South Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing high-quality services to the community, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and teamwork. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social care. With a focus on inclusivity and employee well-being, this role at David Walker Gardens in Rutherglen provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of service users.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 5026 - G1 Social Care Assistant (605255)
✨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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 SWRK 5026 - G1 Social Care Assistant (605255)
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 South Lanarkshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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.