THE council has praised social work and care staff in the Borders for their "commitment and dedication" during the pandemic.

At a meeting of Scottish Borders Council (SBC) today (February 22) members heard that SBC staff, social care students from Borders College, and staff from organisations working under the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership undertook training as part of a recent appeal from the council.

As part of its appeal, SBC invited staff and volunteers from across the region to come forward to support social care services in the Borders, either by taking up a career in social care of by joining a training programme to become a relief support worker.

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SBC Convener, Councillor David Parker, said: “Staff across all our services have worked incredibly hard over the past two years and deserve all our thanks for everything they continue to do against some pretty significant challenges.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to particularly acknowledge those working in Adult Social Work, Children and Families Social Work and Social Care services, not just in the Council but also across the Private, Third and Voluntary sectors. They truly have been tireless in their efforts to ensure our most vulnerable residents get the support they need.

“The response we’ve had to our recent appeal has been most appreciated and our thanks to go each one of the volunteers who have come forward. The additional hours taken on by David Bell, Convener with Unite the Union is just one example of those who have been willing to go above and beyond at this critical time.”

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Mr Bell added: “I was only too happy to support SBC by once again going back into a care home to help support our most vulnerable citizens.

"As with each time I have been deployed, I have been impressed by the dedication and hard work of Social Care staff in providing a high level of care and doing everything they can to keep the residents safe. They have also made me feel very welcome and part of the team.

“I have found volunteering in social care throughout the pandemic to be satisfying and rewarding, as well as providing me with a sense of pride in having supported both the Council and the communities we work for in this much needed and vital field of work.”

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The council has a number of permanent positions open across its homecare, residential care, and learning disability services – on the job training and support is available, with the option to gain a professional qualification.

The roles comes with a starting salary of more than £10.52 per hour, up to 33 days annual leave, membership with the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a "wide-ranging benefits package".

For more information on these permanent positions, visit: ww.scotborders.gov.uk/jobs

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Alternatively, opportunities to work as a relief support worker are also open to anyone looking for a flexible role. These come with a starting rate of £10.52 per hour and full training.

For more details on becoming a relief support worker, email: askhr@scotborders.gov.uk