Team Leader - Older People Services

Do you share our passion for providing those within our care with the best of lives? Do you possess proven experience in the health and social care sector and are looking for an opportunity to use your skills in a leadership role? If so, why not join our dedicated and enthusiastic staff teams within our older people services based right in the heart of Aberdeen city.

In this challenging and rewarding post, you will co-ordinate and contribute to the provision of an effective and professional service to meet the needs of those using our services whilst monitoring the effective use of staffing resources. In this role you will provide hands-on support to staff and residents alike; this is not an office-based position. You will be in charge of the staffing rotas ensuring the service is adequately staffed at all times. You will be responsible for staff supervision and updating support plans for residents. This is a busy and fast-paced role, which requires resilience, strong leadership qualities and above all else the ability to cope with the changing needs and demands of the service.

To be considered, you must hold an SCQF Level 6 in Health and Social Care and be willing to undertake an SCQF Level 7 along with a Professional Development Award in Supervision, if you do not already hold it. You will have previous experience in the provision of care and of coordinating activities within the workplace and a genuine enthusiasm to help enhance the lives of our residents. In addition, you will have a working knowledge of the SSSC Codes of Practice, have the ability to work on your own initiative and be a good communicator and organizer.

Hours: 39 hours per week (Permanent). Part Time Relief options also available too.

Rota: Rolling rota over 7 days which will include a mixture of early shifts, late shifts and weekends on a rota basis.

Salary/Rate: £15.01 per hour (unqualified) - £15.51 per hour (Qualified - SCQF Level 7 in Social Services & Healthcare + 15 academic credits in Supervision and / or Management at SCQF Level 7)

We offer our Team Leaders fantastic benefits including:

• Company pension
• Employee assistance programme
• Generous annual leave
• Refer a friend programme - Receive £200 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
• Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes
• Access to our employee discount scheme

Purpose of Job: To coordinate and contribute to the provision of quality services to meet the needs of service users, according to agreed VSA standards, policies and regulatory requirements, monitoring the effective use of staffing resources.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

• Promoting and utilising ways of communicating effectively with individual staff members and service users on a wide range of matters including those of a complex or sensitive nature, progressing issues arising from the communication process where appropriate.
• Overseeing and participating in the maintenance of accurate recording systems and reports (both manual and computerized) to meet agreed standards in line with administrative, regulatory and management purposes.
• Monitoring the provision of a safe and protective environment by complying with health, safety and security procedures, including medication administration, and reporting accidents/incidents when appropriate.
• Supporting service users in their daily living, according to their recognized and agreed needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practice which promotes well-being, choice, giving people dignity, and treating them with respect.
• Encouraging and supporting service users to develop skills and knowledge to live as independently as possible, if applicable, with reference to the risk assessment process.
• Supporting service users in developing and maintaining social networks and relationships.
• Performing the role of key worker for the service user.
• Complying with and having a sound working knowledge of necessary legislative requirements as laid down through the care standards and recognising the impact of following these standards on the overall provision of service.
• Supporting service users in accessing and using services and facilities, assisting them to obtain advice in relation to financial matters if appropriate.
• Taking the lead in planning, monitoring and reviewing service delivery plans to meet individual needs and preferences, within budgetary and funding constraints.
• Supporting service users and staff appropriately when they experience a significant life change or loss.
• Participating in the selection and recruitment of staff in accordance with agreed standards and procedures.
• Allocating work to teams and individuals to meet agreed operational objectives, ensuring staffing levels are maintained according to regulatory requirements.
• Conducting assessments of staff performance in accordance with VSA’s appraisal/supervision procedures, providing appropriate feedback and support to staff.
• Contributing to the identification of the training and development needs of teams and individual staff members, taking appropriate action to implement plans to meet needs according to agreed procedures and guidelines.
• Helping to maintain an effective working environment by contributing towards the management of interpersonal conflict in working relationships.
• Assisting in the implementation of disciplinary and grievance procedures where appropriate, according to VSA’s policies and procedures.
• Developing one’s knowledge and practice continuously through participation in training and development activities.
• Carrying out other duties from time to time provided they are reasonable and within the post holder’s capabilities.
• Have awareness and work within internal control systems in your area to facilitate improvement in the quality of service provided.

Qualifications/Training/Education:

Essential:

• SCQF Level 6 in Social Services & Healthcare or other options as prescribed by SSSC.
• Knowledge of SSSC Code of Practice.
• Ability and willingness to complete SCQF Level 7 in Social Services & Healthcare + 15 academic credits in Supervision and / or Management at SCQF Level 7.
• Evidence of continued learning.

Experience:

Essential:

• Experience in Care sector.
• Coordinating activities in workplace.
• Record keeping.
• Problem solving.
• Using initiative.

Key Skills/Aptitudes:

Essential:

• Evidence of assessment skills.
• Developed communication skills (verbal and written).
• Organisational skills.
• Accuracy.
• Basic IT skills (e.g. e-mails).
• Ability to prioritise work tasks.

Other Job Requirements:

To comply with the registration and qualification requirements as laid down by the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) and to strictly adhere to the SSSC Codes of Practice.

Ability to deal with difficult behaviour following VSA standards and procedures.