At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire services for individuals with learning disabilities across Edinburgh, Lothians, and Fife.
- Company: Join Lifeways, a leading provider of specialist support services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy leadership development, wellbeing resources, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values innovation, courage, and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of care.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multi-site services in Health & Social Care is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Permanent | Full-Time (37.5 hrs per week, Mon–Fri)
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum + Incentive Scheme
Location: Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife (Hybrid)
Reports to: Regional Director
Function: Operations
The Lifeways Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist support services for people with learning disabilities and neurodiverse needs. Additionally, Lifeways specialises in complex care for those requiring high levels of positive behaviour support. We have invested in new quality assurance and governance, along with digital rostering and care mapping. We are making a difference in people’s lives by being a provider that values both empathy and progress.
As an Area Manager at Lifeways, you create environments where people thrive, and every decision you make shapes someone’s future. We are seeking a passionate Area Manager with a proven operational background to lead and inspire our services across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Our services in Scotland make a huge difference to people and families who want a care provider that is person led, focused on quality and on making a difference every day.
About the Area:
This role is responsible for services across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, with the majority of the portfolio based in Edinburgh and Fife. You'll provide leadership across 2 Registered Managers, overseeing approximately 4,000 commissioned support hours. The role offers a blend of office, service-based and home working, with regular travel across the region required to support services and operational priorities.
We’re committed to your personal and professional growth. As an Area Manager, you’ll be part of our regional leadership team, where your ideas will help shape the future of care. We will invest in your development through tailored leadership coaching. The role would suit an experienced Registered Manager looking for their next step up, or an experienced Area Manager seeking a new challenge.
What you’ll bring to Lifeways:
- You must have proven experience of managing multi-site residential and/or supported living services in a Health & Social Care setting.
- Experience in complex care and learning disabilities is beneficial.
- You will have proven examples of driving up quality, health & safety and compliance, achieving all Care Inspectorate (CI) regulatory requirements.
- Financial budget and planning, tender process, transition and mobilisation planning.
- Resilient and calm when supporting safeguarding or whistle blowing issues with a solution focused approach.
- You will have proven experience achieving business improvements where any issues arise, developing, implementing and completing appropriate remedial action plans.
- You will have a track record of leading multisite teams, and embedding consistent standards and quality.
- You will have a relevant professional qualification at Level 4 or higher in Care or Management.
- Experience of managing services for adults with complex needs (i.e. acquired brain injury, learning disability, autism, physical disabilities and mental health).
Why Join Lifeways?
When you join Lifeways, you step into a leadership role in a company that values and invests in its people. Our shared values guide everything we do: Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal.
You’ll get:
- Leadership development programmes & progression pathways.
- A supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Matched contribution company pension scheme.
- Wellbeing resources and mental health support.
- Reward and Recognition Schemes.
- Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards.
- Access financial wellbeing tools with Stream, including real-time pay tracking and early access to earned wages.
Why Now?
We are on a bold journey to become the Care Provider of Choice — and this is an exciting time to join us. We listen closely to our team members through surveys and forums and act on their ideas, continuously improving how we support both our people and the individuals in our care. As a leader, you’ll have the authority, resources, and support to shape your team’s culture and the quality of care they deliver. We invest in your growth through leadership development and promote a workplace where wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are more than just words — they’re lived values.
At Lifeways, you’re not just anyone. You’re a leader who can make a difference every single day.
We are not using agencies for this recruitment. Any CVs sent to anyone in Lifeways from a recruitment agency will be treated as a gift.
Area Manager - Supported Living (Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife) employer: Lifeway s Group
The Lifeways Group in Sunderland is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to lead independent lives. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, team members benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities while working in a vibrant environment that fosters collaboration and community. Join us at Church View apartments, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents while enjoying a fulfilling career in the care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager - Supported Living (Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager - Supported Living (Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife)
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 Lifeway s Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lifeway s Group! 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 Lifeway s Group
✨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.
