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 more than just a care provider; we are a dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of boys aged 6-18 through therapeutic residential care and education. Our mission is to enhance resilience, self-esteem, and life outcomes for the young people we support.
Why Join Us?
We offer a range of fantastic benefits to ensure our team feels valued and supported:
- 30 days annual leave entitlement
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Discount Scheme with a variety of 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 be at the forefront of our mission, providing professional leadership and management across all our children's homes. Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring the safeguarding and developmental progress of children and young people.
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with parents, professional partners, and 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 support 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 staff while fostering an open and enthusiastic culture.
- Representing North Lakes Children's Services professionally in the community.
About You
We are looking for a passionate leader who meets the following criteria:
- 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' relevant experience in residential care, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
- A commitment to making a real difference in the lives of young people.
- Thorough knowledge of Children's Home legislation and Ofsted inspection requirements.
- A person-centred approach to care and leadership.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in strategic and operational leadership within children's residential care services in the UK.
- A valid driving license and access to a car with business insurance.
Our Commitment
North Lakes Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer, actively encouraging 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 make a meaningful impact and lead a passionate team, we would love to hear from you!
