Shift Lead - health and social care

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.