With care at home services growing in demand across Scotland, Independent Living Services, (ILS Scotland Ltd), the community-based ‘care at home’ company, is embarking on a major recruitment drive as part of its continued expansion in Edinburgh, West Lothian and East Lothian, with 100 new jobs on offer.
The company provides services on contract back to local authorities, which are gradually reducing their in-house care provision, to support older people at home and people of all ages challenged by disabilities and other issues which make it hard for them to cope with life alone.
Scott Christie, Chairman of ILS Scotland, says: “Scotland’s elderly population is predicted to rise by more than half a million over the next two decades. This is leading to increased demands on care at home services, which are becoming more vital than ever before, and which can help support older people to live in their own homes rather than in long-term residential care.
“A little bit of help can go a long way towards maintaining an independent lifestyle, and this is exactly where we fit in. Our employees support people with some of the everyday tasks we all take for granted, such as bathing, shopping, domestic chores and cooking meals. Companionship is also very important. We’re delighted to be expanding in the Edinburgh and Lothians in order to meet growing demand for these services.”
Care workers range widely in age, from 18 over 65, and come from all walks of life. ILS offers very flexible working patterns and good training and promotion opportunities, which makes work in this sector attractive to many different types of people, including mums going back to work, the older generation, and career changers.
The company is looking for a range of full-time, part-time and relief support workers. Full staff training is provided prior to working in the community as well as ongoing training and support with the opportunity for career progression. An SVQ training programme has also been launched for all members of the teams. There is no need for previous experience in the care sector.
ILS Scotland is a major, long established provider of care across Scotland, working in partnership with local authorities, and has a workforce of 1600 across the country. Services are also provided on a private basis to those who wish to augment the care they receive through the council, or have other requirements for support.
A typical day in the life of a care worker will involve dropping in to see and support several different people in one day, working on a rota and a shift system. Care and support is generally provided on a one-to-one basis, and those who work with ILS derive great job satisfaction which comes from a genuine interest in working with people.
Anyone interested in working for ILS in Edinburgh, West Lothian or East Lothian can get in touch by calling the recruitment hotline on 0800 232 1039, or through the ILS Recruitment website www.ilsrecruitment.com
ILS will also be holding recruitment days as follows:
8th January – West Lothian Job Centre Plus from 10am-2pm
10th January – Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston 10am-3pm
1st February – St. Josephs Centre, Balerno Parish Church, from 10am-3pm
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