Date: 20 Aug 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 3 September 2026
Salary: Grade 14 - ranging from £13.05 to £13.47 per hour.
Contract: Casual (Zero Hours)
Hours: Flexible. You'll be able to choose from available shifts to cover annual leave, sickness absence and service demand, including evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays.
About the Role
Looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle? As a Relief Lifeline Operator, you'll have the freedom to choose available shifts that work for you while playing an important role in supporting vulnerable residents across Somerset.
The Lifeline Service helps elderly and disabled residents remain safe, independent and confident in their own homes by providing a 24-hour emergency response service. You'll be a calm and reassuring point of contact for people who need urgent support, assessing situations, coordinating the appropriate response and helping callers feel supported during difficult moments. Working as part of a dedicated team, you'll make a real difference every time you log on for a shift.
How You'll Make a Difference
Respond to emergency calls and take swift action to help residents stay safe and supported.
Assess situations accurately and coordinate the most appropriate response, including contacting emergency services when needed.
Provide calm reassurance and emotional support to people who may be distressed, worried or vulnerable.
Handle out-of-hours service calls and help ensure important council services continue to support residents around the clock.
Maintain accurate records and share information effectively so that residents receive safe, consistent and high-quality support.
What You'll Bring
Experience working in a customer-focused role where you've communicated confidently and provided support to others.
The ability to stay calm, think clearly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
Compassion, empathy and excellent listening skills, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
Confidence using computer systems and maintaining accurate, detailed records while handling sensitive information appropriately.
Strong teamwork and communication skills, alongside the ability to work independently when required.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Further Information
This is a casual zero-hours role. Successful candidates can choose from available shifts to cover holidays, sickness absence and service requirements. Shifts may include days, evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. This flexibility makes the role well suited to those seeking work that can fit around other employment, study, family commitments or retirement.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
If you'd like an informal conversation about the role, Richard Burge, Head of Lifeline & Out of Hours at
[email protected]
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
Job ref: 1292/DT
