At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting vulnerable tenants to live independently and confidently.
- Company: Woking Borough Council, dedicated to community care and support.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible hours, pension scheme, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care environments and strong team leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role:
To manage a team of officers who support tenants in extra care and sheltered accommodation with the purpose of providing support for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable to live independently and confidently within the borough of Woking. Monday-Friday - 37 hours per week flexible. Office hours 8am-6pm, core hours 10am-4pm. Hale End Court. 63-65 High Street, Old Woking. GU22 9GB
About the team:
- Ensuring the care and social needs of all tenants and visitors from the local community are met.
- You will assist with the leading, management and development of the team and ensuring an effective service is offered.
- Undertaking positive and effective communications with next of kin, our onsite care agency and external representatives such as health practitioners, activity providers and volunteers.
- To manage the teams who manage and support tenants in sheltered and family dwellings as well as an extra care scheme including the installing and maintaining telecare equipment and providing tenancy sustainment support to borough tenants.
- You will bring the two teams together as one.
- Form strong links with all partners, agencies, voluntary, community and faith sectors to ensure a holistic service provision especially involving social care and health agencies.
- Coordinate support for the residents and sign posting with other agencies and the voluntary sector.
- Engage with clients and residents and support the team in providing a holistic service.
DBS Check:
Woking Borough Council takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who has applied to work with vulnerable groups including children. As this job involves contact with vulnerable groups, successful applicants will be required to obtain a certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Assistance will be given by the Council and further details can be found in the job pack.
Employee Benefits:
- Annual leave entitlement of 23 days rising to 30 days (maximum) in line with continuous service
- Flexi time scheme with the opportunity to take up to 2 days flexi leave per month
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Discounted leisure gym membership and free swimming
- Season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free eye tests
- Retail discount scheme
About you:
- Strong IT Skills including good use and knowledge of all Microsoft Office products.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good organisational skills.
- Team Leadership skills.
- Practical caring skills.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines.
- Ability to co-operate and contribute constructively in a team and work on own initiative.
Shortlisting criteria:
- Experience of working in an extra care / independent living / care home / sheltered environment for a minimum of 2 years.
- Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of other agencies.
- Experience of supervising staff and volunteers.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplined environment.
What we will need from you:
- Documentary evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK
- References from your two most recent employers covering at least 3 years
- Completion of a medical questionnaire and declaration
- A full driver’s license
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Degree or NVQ level 3/4 or be willing to undertake this.
Who to contact:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jess Newcombe, Living Well Manager by email jessica.newcombe@woking.gov.uk. We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process.
Closing date: 8 June 2026 - 23.55pm
Interview date(s): 15 & 16 June 2026
Independent Living Team Leader in Surrey employer: Woking Borough Council
Woking Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable residents. With flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will thrive in a culture that values teamwork and community engagement. Located in the heart of Woking, you will benefit from local amenities and a collaborative atmosphere that fosters professional growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Team Leader in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Independent Living Team Leader role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Woking Borough Council and their approach to independent living. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting vulnerable groups.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to bring people together and create a positive environment for both staff and residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Living Team Leader in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in independent living and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since good written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and make it easy for us to see how you can engage effectively with tenants and external partners.
Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop a team, so be sure to mention any previous leadership roles. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams and supported staff in a care environment.
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 straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woking Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Independent Living Team Leader inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting vulnerable groups and managing a team. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed multiple tasks. Highlight how you’ve engaged with clients and collaborated with other agencies. This will demonstrate your ability to bring teams together and provide holistic support.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing care needs with tenants or liaising with health practitioners. This will show your strong verbal skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their service provision. It shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
