Overview
At Care in Mind, our homes are vibrant hubs of activity and energy where young people can feel safe and staff enjoy working. The role involves working with young people to promote independence through support with education, household tasks, and general life skills. You will also update online care records, administer medication, and maintain the home’s upkeep to provide a homely environment. You will work with young people who have a range of mental health diagnoses, including personality disorder, PTSD, eating difficulties, and self‑harm.
This position requires patience, resilience, and compassion. Young people value caring, honest, understanding, fun, and kind staff. They enjoy learning new things and participating in activities such as zoo visits, museums, outdoor sports, theme parks, and escape rooms.
Responsibilities
- Promote independence in education, social networking, public transport use, volunteer work, and employment search.
- Support young people to administer medication, cook, budget, and manage appointments.
- Maintain accurate online care records and complete medication administration.
- Ensure a tidy, safe, and welcoming home environment.
- Attend training sessions during weekdays and work flexible shifts including weekends and bank holidays.
- Provide documentation such as basic reports and written records.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence (no automatic).
- Actively drive a service car unsupervised.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic IT skills for completing forms, online care system, and email.
- Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
- Ability to remain calm during emergencies.
Desirable Criteria
- NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent in Care.
- Previous experience working with young people who have mental health needs.
Setting
The role is based at our residential home in Preston, Florida House, a newly renovated 6‑bed service in Ashton‑on‑Ribble. The house features spacious bedrooms, communal areas including a kitchen/dining area, two lounge areas, two bathrooms and one shower room, and a sizeable garden for outdoor activities. It is located near Preston town centre, railway station, docks, shops, and parks.
Compensation and Benefits
£26,227.50 – £27,378.00 (depending on experience) for full‑time 37.5 hours/week.
- Minimum 30 days holiday.
- Additional day off for birthday.
- Enhanced sick pay, pension, maternity/paternity leave, fertility treatment leave.
- Life assurance (2 × annual salary).
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
- Health Care CashPlan with coverage for dental, optical, and other treatments.
- Employee Assistance Programme / 24‑hour counselling service.
- Free eye tests.
- Learning and development opportunities (Level 3 Adult Health & Social Care, Care Certificate).
- Paid training, induction, and DBS check.
- Mindful & Disability Confident Employer.
- Supporter of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.
- Menopause Friendly Organisation.
- Long service awards.
- Social events such as Christmas party.
- Blue Light Card for shopping discounts.
- Refer a Friend scheme (up to £500 per referral).
- Free on‑site parking.
Employment Commitment
We offer ongoing support and mentoring from a residential and clinical team. Previous care experience is not essential; full training will be provided. We are a disability‑confident employer and will generally offer an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria.
