Service Lead
| Company: | Real Life Options |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £27,310.83 - £27,310.83 |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | TS18 4PA |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 18 Aug 2026 |
| Closing date: | 15 Sept 2026 |
Summary
Service Lead
Stockton – Bishopton Road
Full Time - 39 hours
£27,310.83
We have an exciting opportunity for a Service Lead to join our residential support service on Bishopton Road in Stockton. This is a key role where you’ll lead a service that provides the right level of support to help people achieve their individual goals and live full and productive lives as valued members of their community.
Reporting to the Service Manager / Deputy Manager, you’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of a 24‑hour service, ensuring safe, high‑quality, person‑centred support is delivered.
About the Role
As a Service Lead, you will:
Lead the day‑to‑day running of a 24‑hour residential service
Ensure appropriate levels of support are delivered and staff rotas are effectively organised
Act as a role model, ensuring services align with organisational values, CQC standards and best practice
Support assessment of individuals and development of Person‑Centred Plans
Ensure care is delivered in a way that promotes dignity, independence and quality of life
Oversee medication procedures and ensure safe practice
Liaise with families, professionals and external agencies
Support individuals with daily living, personal care, household tasks and social activities where required
Lead staff recruitment, induction, supervision and ongoing development
Promote effective communication through team meetings and staff engagement
Monitor attendance, performance and training needs within the team
Contribute to budget management and ensure accurate record‑keeping
Ensure health & safety policies are followed to maintain a safe environment
You’ll also play a key role in supporting individuals to develop independence, life skills and meaningful activities both at home and in the community.
Working Pattern
Working within a rota including days, evenings, weekends and sleep‑in duties
Participation in a 5‑weekly on‑call rota
Flexibility to provide cover during holidays, sickness and emergencies
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable people and/or individuals with learning disabilities
Strong understanding of Person‑Centred Care
Ability to contribute to effective leadership of a staff team
Knowledge of needs relating to learning disabilities, mental health, autism or complex care
Skills in supervision, administration and person‑centred planning
Desirable:
Relevant qualification (QCF Level 3 or equivalent) or willingness to work towards it
Makaton or sign language skills
Personal Qualities
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
Professionalism and a proactive, enthusiastic approach
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure
Strong communication and literacy skills
Self‑motivation and commitment to high‑quality support
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by our values of:
Respect – Honesty – Responsibility – Excellence
Benefits and Rewards
At Real Life Options, we treat our people with the same respect and care we show to the people we support. In return, we offer:
28 days paid holiday (pro-rata for part-time)
Fully accredited training to help you thrive
Employer-contributed pension scheme
Health Cash Plan (for contracted staff)
£10,000 Life Cover
Free Employee Assistance Programme (incl. counselling & financial support)
Access to discounts via our Reward Gateway
Financial Wellbeing Scheme
Refer-a-Friend Bonus
Staff Recognition Programmes
Join Us
Join Real Life Options and help people live more independent, fulfilling lives as part of a supportive and values‑driven organisation.
IND123
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
