OIC recruitment campaign kicks off with news of improved terms for Home Care staff

The Council has launched a recruitment campaign to strengthen Orkney’s dedicated adult care services alongside news of an increase in salaries for Home Care staff.

The regrading of posts comes following a re-evaluation of the role with Orkney Integration Joint Board members noting that the duties undertaken by Home Care staff have become increasingly complex.

Orkney Health and Care Partnership Chief Officer, Stephen Brown, said: “We are relaunching the recruitment campaign and at the same time announcing the Integration Joint Board agreement to uplift salaries for Home Care staff in recognition of the importance of the vital role and responsibilities that comes with caring for some of our most vulnerable people.

“The Scottish Government have also recognised the significant impact of a shortfall in Care at Home provision across Scotland and an additional £540,000 has been made available to us on a recurring basis.

“This also goes some way towards levelling up in terms of the gender pay gap and, at a time when the cost of living is spiralling, this is more money in the pockets of Orkney residents and, undoubtedly, there will be a wider community benefit to come from that.”

The regrading comes into effect on 1 July.

We are recruiting in all areas of adult care, from residential facilities and Home Care to very sheltered housing, short breaks and supported services on the Orkney Mainland and the outer isles.

If you have a caring and compassionate nature; are you looking for a vocation not just a job; would enjoy being rewarded with making new friends and going home knowing you have made a real difference to the lives of others, then we want to hear from you.

Care Recruitment Open Days are taking place during the week of 1 August in Kirkwall and Stromness – further details on location and times will be provided.  Interested folk can complete an application online or a paper application can be obtained from HR Support on 01856 873535 ext.2250 until 24 July.

Allotted slots will be given and then folk will be taken through the recruitment and application process. One aim of the open days is to allow people to apply quickly and easily, to meet with managers and staff for an informal discussion, to be interviewed for a job in the sector, and to leave with the offer of a job as appropriate and conditional on all checks being successful. Equally if you are not sure the job is for you, please phone in to have a conversation first and see if you like what you hear!

We will be resharing videos featuring the stories of a number of care staff here in Orkney – these will be shown on the big screen within the cinema in the Pickaquoy Centre from 8-14 July and on OIC Updates and Youtube.

The Council has also been forging even closer links with Orkney College UHI with all successful students passing through social care courses automatically offered an interview within the sector here in Orkney.

Orkney Health and Care Head of Health and Community Care, Lynda Bradford, said: “We have a dedicated and devoted team of adult social care staff and responders who provide a vital service to hundreds of service users who require assistance to enable them to live better lives whether that is in residential care, supported accommodation or within their own homes.

“At present our staff remain determined and focused but the numbers are depleted, and we really need many more to strengthen our teams so we are continuing to appeal for folk to come forward if they feel this could be the career for them. We are often told by our carers and responders that this is not a job, it’s a vocation and a role that provides a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.”

Mrs Bradford said it’s a role that not only requires a caring and compassionate outlook but also the ability to provide the respectful personal care of others when that is required.
“It is incredibly rewarding, however there are times when it can be a challenging role. Sometimes people require that very personal and hands-on touch, whether that be assisting someone in getting up from bed, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, showering and medication.”

To find out more information or to apply head here www.orkney.gov.uk/wecare