Fifty jobs are being created in the Borders to meet the increased demand for people needing care at home, writes Sandy Neil.
Scottish care provider Independent Living Services (ILS) is embarking on a new recruitment drive as part of its continued expansion in the region. Across Scotland the company has a workforce of 1,600.
It provides services on contract to Scottish Borders Council 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. 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.
The company is looking for a range of full-time, part-time and relief support workers in several areas, including Peebles, Galashiels, Melrose, Selkirk, Innerleithen, St Boswells and West Linton.
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 is available for all members of the teams.
Penny Johnson, service manager at ILS in the Borders, said: “We train and develop all of our staff, so if they have never worked in care, but think they have the right skills to work for us, this might be for them.
“Care workers range widely in age, from 18 to over 65, and come from all walks of life. We offer very flexible working patterns, 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.
“Many of our workers have made a real career for themselves at ILS and we’re delighted to have helped them. It’s a great opportunity and can be totally life-changing – for them and so many others. I would be happy to hear from anyone looking for employment in the Borders area who thinks they have the right skills to work for us.”
ILS provides care at home, predominantly for older adults, but also for adults with a disability, and support for children and families. The new recruits will support these people, helping them to remain within their own homes, and will assist with personal care, meal preparation, supervising a medication regime and other daily living tasks.
A company spokesperson added: “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 shift system. Care and support is generally provided on a one-to-one basis, and those who work with us derive great job satisfaction which comes from a genuine interest in working with people.
“As well as support workers, we are also looking to recruit some link workers who will work closely with local hospital discharge teams, occupational therapy, social workers and the Red Cross, as well as ILS support workers. ILS has set up a rapid-response service in the area.
“This is a joint service with the council in dealing with early discharges and providing care to get people home quicker, and the service is going to become anticipatory as the company moves forward.”