Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Relief Lifeline Operator

By /

Relief Lifeline Operator – Somerset Council

Salary: £13.48 per hour (Grade 14)
Location: Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Contract: Casual, zero-hours
Working Pattern: Flexible shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays
Number of Vacancies: Not stated in the advert
Closing Date: 2 November 2026
Job Reference: 1292/DT
Visa Sponsorship: Not available. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

About the Role

Somerset Council is recruiting a Relief Lifeline Operator to support elderly and disabled residents across Somerset through its 24-hour Lifeline emergency response service.

This flexible, zero-hours opportunity is ideal for someone seeking work around other employment, studies, family commitments or retirement. You can choose from available shifts to cover annual leave, sickness absence and service demand.

As a Relief Lifeline Operator, you will respond to emergency calls, assess situations and coordinate appropriate support. You will provide reassurance to vulnerable residents, helping them feel safe and supported in their own homes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Respond to emergency calls and take appropriate action to protect residents.
  • Assess situations and coordinate suitable responses, including contacting emergency services when necessary.
  • Provide calm reassurance and emotional support to distressed, elderly or vulnerable callers.
  • Handle out-of-hours calls to help maintain the council’s 24-hour service.
  • Maintain accurate records and communicate information effectively to ensure consistent, high-quality support.

Requirements and Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Experience in a customer-focused role involving communication and support.
  • The ability to remain calm, think clearly and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Compassion, empathy and excellent listening skills.
  • Confidence using computer systems and maintaining accurate records.
  • The ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills, alongside the ability to work independently when required.

Working Hours and Flexibility

This is a casual, zero-hours position, meaning regular hours are not guaranteed. Successful candidates can choose from available shifts according to service requirements.

Shifts may include:

  • Day shifts
  • Evening shifts
  • Night shifts
  • Weekends
  • Bank Holidays

The role may suit applicants looking for flexible work alongside other commitments. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be available where service requirements allow.

Benefits of Working for Somerset Council

Somerset Council offers a range of benefits and support, including:

  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where operationally possible.
  • Health and wellbeing support.
  • Access to confidential employee assistance services.
  • Paid volunteering opportunities.
  • The opportunity to contribute to services that support local communities.

Training and Development

The advert does not specify whether formal training is provided. Applicants can contact the recruiting team for clarification about induction, training and ongoing support.

See also Cleaner

Get daily UK job alerts on WhatsApp!

Discover new UK vacancies, visa sponsorship opportunities and more.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

Somerset Council cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position. The advert states that applications can only proceed from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

This role is therefore not suitable for applicants who need employer sponsorship to obtain or maintain permission to work in the UK.

How to Apply

To view the full job description and submit your application, visit the official Somerset Council recruitment page:

Closing date: 2 November 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, contact Richard Burge, Head of Lifeline & Out of Hours, at richard.burge@somerset.gov.uk.

 

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

Find Your Next UK Job

Explore more vacancies, check salaries and find your next opportunity.

Discover more opportunities on TRHNP.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top