Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide hands-on support and promote independence for individuals with learning disabilities.
- Company: Real Life Options, a values-driven organisation focused on quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, leadership development, comprehensive training, and protected off-rota time.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable leadership experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in support or team-leading roles, full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for growth across various West Lothian locations.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: West Lothian
Hours: 30 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 are 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 would 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 including An-Carina, Bathgate & Uphall 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 Are 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.
Locations
Shift Lead in Bathgate, Scotland employer: Real Life Options
Contact Detail:
Real Life Options Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead in Bathgate, Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Real Life Options. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even hits the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to team leadership and support roles. We recommend role-playing with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted someone's life in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead in Bathgate, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Shift Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Show Your Personality: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about making a difference. Share a bit about what motivates you and why you want to join us at Real Life Options.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Real Life Options
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Shift Lead. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as managing rotas and supporting individuals with learning disabilities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in support or supervisory positions. Think about times when you've successfully led a team, managed challenging behaviours, or implemented effective support plans. Sharing these stories will illustrate your capability and passion for making a difference.
✨Communicate Effectively
During the interview, focus on your communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, as a Shift Lead, you'll need to communicate with various stakeholders, so showing that you can do this well will be a big plus. Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify any points during the interview as well.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the varied nature of the role, it's important to convey your willingness to work flexibly across different locations in West Lothian. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs, whether it was covering shifts or adjusting to new challenges. This will reassure the interviewers that you're ready for the dynamic environment they'll expect you to thrive in.
