Head of Care
Join Our Team as Head of Care!
Company: North Lakes Children’s Services
Location: Carlisle
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (dependent on experience)
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week
Responsible To: Operations Directors and Responsible Individuals
Who Are We?
At North Lakes Children’s Services, we are proud to be a leading provider of therapeutic residential care and education for boys aged 6-18. Our mission is to enhance the resilience, self-esteem, and life outcomes of the young people we support. We are on the lookout for an experienced Head of Care to join our dedicated team and oversee all our services.
Why Join Us?
We offer a range of fantastic benefits to support your career and well-being:
- 30 days annual leave entitlement
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Discount Scheme with various retail discounts
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced pay for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Overtime opportunities
- Clear career progression pathways
- Comprehensive annual training in Child Development, Attachment Theory, PACE Model, Therapeutic Parenting, and Whole-Brain Child Model
Your Role
As the Head of Care, you will play a pivotal role in leading and managing all of North Lakes Children’s Services’ homes. Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring the safety and developmental progress of children and young people in our care.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with parents, professional partners, and other agencies.
- Creating an environment that encourages children to reach their full potential.
- Supporting the commercial growth and sustainability of our services.
- Promoting a culture of high aspiration and constructive supervision within your team.
- Engaging strategically with other departments to continuously develop our services.
- Managing the administration of the home efficiently and effectively.
- Leading, motivating, and developing your staff team in an open and enthusiastic culture.
- Representing North Lakes Children’s Services professionally within the community.
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. You should have:
- A recognised social work qualification (e.g., QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Children and Young People).
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential care for children, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
- A commitment to high standards of professional practice and a positive, non-judgmental attitude.
- A thorough understanding of Children’s Home legislation and Ofsted inspection requirements.
- Experience in strategic and operational leadership within children’s residential care services in the UK.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A valid driving license and access to a car with business insurance.
Our Commitment
North Lakes Children’s Services is an equal opportunities employer, and we actively encourage applications from qualified candidates. We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All candidates will undergo thorough reference checks, including an enhanced DBS, as safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge and make a real impact, we would love to hear from you!
