Caring for others is one of the most important things we can do in life.

Here in Orkney, we have a number of social work roles within Orkney Health and Care that offer the chance to make a real difference to the lives of others.

In return, we pledge a role within a community that cares, a lifestyle that is second to none and managers who rate staff wellbeing and good emotional support among their top priorities.

In addition to a supportive working environment, we can also offer flexible working, emotional support, reasonable caseload levels, clear career progression routes and good IT and administration support.

On top of the competitive salary, market supplements may be offered.

So, if you are looking for a new adventure – whether that be relocating, rekindling your career, or starting out afresh, then look no further than here in Orkney.

Year after year we are named one of the best and happiest places to live in the country thanks to our wonderful lifestyle, rich heritage, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, a thriving food and drink sector, world leading energy innovation, low crime and a community spirit like no other.

A career in Social Care is challenging but staff tell us incredibly rewarding and we want to share some of their stories with you.

Orkney Health and Care Chief Officer – Stephen Brown

Stephen has an open-door policy, encouraging staff to talk about their working experiences so he knows what is working well and what needs improvement.

“I have been involved in social care work for around 30 years and at the heart of all that we do in the profession is very simple – we want to help others and make a difference to the lives of children, young people and adults going through a difficult time.

“To allow us to do this to the best of our abilities, we need to bolster our social work team in Orkney. We want to be able to offer the best care and support possible to those in our communities who may need that, whether that be long or short-term.

“By the nature of where we are, the caseload tends to be smaller and when possible we try to give social workers more autonomy to manage their own workloads. I want to ensure a settled, stable workforce to help improve standards and the quality of practise. We have a responsibility to protect all those in our care – and that includes our workforce.

“I work with a team who genuinely care for those they are tasked with supporting – they go over and above without even realising it. If that sounds like the kind of team you would like to be part of, then come and ‘Join Us’.”

Head of Strategic Planning and Performance and Interim Head of Head of Children, Families and Justice Services including Children’s Health - Maureen Swannie

Maureen has a background in nursing and is a “grow our own” member of staff, having lived in Orkney all her life.

“My overriding reason for taking on the interim post is that I want to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and families and also our staff.

“I want to ensure our staff teams feel and believe they are valued, which, of course, they absolutely are. We are very much looking forward to welcoming and supporting new members of staff. We’re a fantastic team, so please take a look at what’s on offer.”

Registered Manager with Children’s Residential Services – Stephen Crew

Stephen has some 22 years’ service within the caring profession at Orkney Islands Council.

He’s a Registered Manager with Children’s Residential Services and would highly recommend what Orkney has to offer.

“I am very biased having lived in Orkney for most of my life and having brought up two children of my own here when I say there is nowhere better. Orkney is a vibrant, safe community with a good standard of living. It is often said that if you can survive your first winter in Orkney then you will enjoy living here. Orkney gets into your blood and is very hard to leave.”

He also speaks to the “can-do and over and above” attitude adopted by the team around him.

“I am lucky to have a great team with a wealth of experience and skills who due to the nature of the job go over and above in order to support our young people.”

Para-professional Social Work Assistant – Denise Wick

Denise has been with Orkney Health and Care for some 33 years, and says the greatest satisfaction comes from when social work support is no longer required for a family.

“Within social work we are here to provide much-needed support during a period of crisis or challenge and ultimately find solutions to problems for individuals and families during a difficult period in their lives. Initially, that may not be wanted, but by building up trusting relationships, we can often become very valued by those receiving our support. This can be for as long or short as required.

“The end goal is for no support or intervention to be required – and when that happens it is very satisfying.”

Social Worker – Teri Wood

Orkney Health and Care’s Teri Wood is a shining example of what can be achieved with first-class management support behind you!

For Teri has gained a First-Class Honours Degree in Social Work whilst juggling full-time study, three young children, and a caseload at work!

Teri praised the “exceptional” support from her husband, Chris and wider family, but also her line managers within the Adult Social Work team at Orkney Health and Care (OHAC) whom, she says, have been “incredible mentors and provided immense support”.

She said: “Working within the OHAC Social Work team has been an absolute pleasure. The team have a wealth of experience and are keen to support students. They have been amazing and are always on hand to answer my endless number of questions.

“I have felt incredibly supported by all levels of management as they have regularly checked in on my wellbeing. It has been a difficult time for staff, but they continue to do their jobs and as a result I feel team spirit in the office has increased.”

Read Teri’s amazing story here: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=7704

Family Support Worker – Amelia Stout

From a young age, Amelia Stout has enjoyed nurturing others.

So, it came as no surprise when she began a career within the caring profession, initially providing support for adults with disabilities and now as a Family Support Worker with Orkney Health and Care.

Amelia has only been with the team for four months, but she knows that she wants to progress her career further, with plans to go on to achieve a degree in Social Work.

Amelia described her current role: “I support children and families who are in difficult and challenging situations. I provide a neutral and safe person to talk to, opportunities to get out and about in the community, and provide emotional and practical support.

“I love being able to support and help children and families through these tough times and help them reach their full potential.

“I enjoy building up relationships with the children and families I am working with and seeing the benefits I am providing within their family.”

Amelia has first-hand experience of how important a close-knit team can be.

“I love how supportive my colleagues are to each other, especially within the Family Support Team. The service is extremely important within Orkney. I find the managers are all very approachable if you are needing to have a chat. The work is very rewarding and it’s nice to think after a day at work that you’ve helped people.”

So, whether you are already here or looking to make a move - could you be part of Orkney Islands Council’s journey to make a real difference in our communities? Come and Join Us to find out.

We have a variety of roles vacant in Children’s Services, from Social Workers to Team Managers to a Service Manager. Contact Maureen Swannie, Head of Strategic Planning and Performance and Interim Head of Head of Children, Families and Justice Services including Children’s Health for an initial chat Tel: (01856) 873535 extension 2601| Email: maureen.swannie@nhs.scot