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- Tasks: Lead a team while providing hands-on support to individuals with learning disabilities.
- Company: Real Life Options empowers people with disabilities to live independently and engage in their communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, leadership development, comprehensive training, and protected time for admin tasks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in support or team-leading roles, a full UK driving licence, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Travel across West Lothian locations and receive ongoing training and mentorship.
Job Title: Shift Lead
Location: West Lothian Outreach Hours: 32 hours per week
Hourly Rate: £13.32
Driver Required
About Real Life Options
At Real Life Options, we believe everyone has the right to live their best life. We provide tailored support to people with learning disabilities and autism, empowering them to live independently, engage in their communities, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
We’re currently recruiting a dedicated and experienced Shift Lead to join our West Lothian Outreach team. If you have experience in a similar support or supervisory role, a full UK driving licence, and a genuine passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
As a Shift Lead, you will continue to provide high-quality, hands-on support, including:
- Personal care
- Medication administration
- Household tasks such as cooking and cleaning
- Encouraging and supporting independence
- Promoting social inclusion and helping individuals access new opportunities in the community
This is a flexible, varied role requiring travel across different West Lothian locations, supporting people both at the hub and 1:1 in the community. Many of the individuals we support present with behaviours that challenge. Full training and clear support plans will be provided.
Shift Lead Responsibilities
In addition to providing direct support, you will also:
- Manage rotas: Help plan rotas, cover shifts, and ensure safe staffing levels
- Lead practice: Guide and support workers during shifts to maintain high standards of care
- Mentor staff: Coach and develop team members in their practice
- Communicate effectively: Work closely with service managers, area managers, and external professionals
- Admin time: Receive 8 hours per month off-rota time (2 hours per week) for essential admin duties
Key Duties Include:
- Keeping support plans, risk assessments, and medication records up to date and accurate
- Leading on medication audits and competency assessments
- Organising and overseeing key worker responsibilities, reviews, and planning meetings
- Supporting with transitions, incident debriefs, and reporting of safeguarding concerns (ASP)
- Participating in the on-call rota for West Lothian Services
- Promoting a safe, knowledgeable, and confident team environment
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a similar support or team-leading role is essential
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is required
- A strong understanding of supporting people with learning disabilities, including those who display behaviours that challenge
- Confidence in leading a team and making decisions on shift
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Willingness to work flexibly across West Lothian, including Polbeth, Broxburn, Uphall Station, Bathgate, and Deans
Why Join Real Life Options?
- A supportive, values-led organisation with a focus on quality
- Leadership development opportunities and hands-on experience
- Protected off-rota time for planning and admin
- Comprehensive training and access to ongoing learning
- A chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives every day
Apply Now
Ready to lead, support, and inspire? Join Real Life Options as a Shift Lead and help us create real, positive change in West Lothian.
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Shift Leader - Support Worker employer: 1st Homecare
Contact Detail:
1st Homecare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Leader - Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Understanding their challenges and how to support them effectively will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in supervisory roles or team leadership during your interactions. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and supported staff in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with current employees or professionals in the field. Networking can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel across various locations in West Lothian. Emphasising your adaptability will reassure employers that you can meet the demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Leader - Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in support or supervisory roles. Emphasise any specific skills related to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Mention your understanding of the role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications or training related to care, support work, or leadership, be sure to include these in your application. This can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members, service users, or external professionals in previous roles. Strong communication is key for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Homecare
✨Show Your Passion for Support Work
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Shift Lead, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or mentored colleagues in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role's Responsibilities
Review the job description thoroughly and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the key duties listed. Highlight your understanding of medication administration, support plans, and promoting social inclusion.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced in the role. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the position is right for you.
