At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide exceptional support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Company: Join CareTech, a leading provider of person-centred care in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, up to 28 days holiday, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with clear career progression and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience in care management preferred; passion for supporting vulnerable adults is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24089 - 29442 £ per year.
Location: Hertfordshire
Rate: £32,000
Permanent | Full-time | 37.5 hours per week (rota-based)
Please note: We are unable to consider Skilled Worker or Student Visa applicants for this role.
At CareTech, we are committed to delivering Extraordinary Days, Every Day through high-quality, person-centred care. Our focus is on empowering independence, building confidence and life skills, and supporting people to live fulfilling lives in environments that best suit their needs.
We are recruiting Support Workers to join our service in Hertfordshire, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Whether you’re new to care or experienced, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding, long-term career and truly make a difference!
About the Services:
- Prosperity House: Offering a superior service to four service users, a warm welcome awaits you to our service at Redbourn, Saint Albans. Prosperity House was established in 2015 in a beautiful block of 4 flats, specialising in support for adults with Mental Health issues.
- Pescot Hill: This service is home to female service users with physical and learning disabilities, providing individuals with practical and emotional care, enabling them to lead as ordinary a life as they can achieve.
- Chambers Grove inc Eddington Crescent: Chambers is a home for 4 males, supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. 138 Eddington Crescent supports an older gentleman with autism, LD, and anxiety, requiring patience. 151 Eddington Crescent supports a young male with learning disabilities, who enjoys regular outings into the local community, gaming, and other activities.
You will be working alone and as part of a team supporting people with various needs, such as Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. You will have a person-centred approach to supporting people with their day-to-day living in order to provide a caring, safe and effective service that is responsive to the needs of the people we support. This will include providing support with household tasks, meal planning and preparation, maintaining relationships with their family and friends, and accessing the community.
Service User Interests:
- Arts and crafts
- Days out such as Theme Parks, Meals out, Social activities, Christmas markets etc.
- Holidays and short breaks
- Walks in the local park and community
- Cooking and baking to develop life skills
The Role:
- Lead and direct the day-to-day operational management of the schemes, ensuring that available resources are used effectively to enable the provision of a good quality service with support from the registered manager.
- Ensure that all staff working within the home receive regular supervision, in accordance with CareTech’s Policy.
- Work closely with the Service Development Team, participating in the selection and compatibility of potential new residents, their assessment, and transition into the home if appropriate.
- Ensure that all service users have a dynamic support plan, which involves the person as far as is possible, takes account of that person’s needs and aspirations, and is reviewed regularly.
- Hold responsibility for ensuring that the home operates in accordance with all statutory requirements, using the National Minimum Standards as a benchmark for good practice.
- Ensure that the homes offer a safe environment geared to creating opportunities for the personal development of service users, taking into account practical, physical and emotional needs.
- Take a lead role for risk analysis within the homes, ensuring that appropriate assessments take place, and plans put in place to minimise risk where necessary.
- Ensure that all steps are taken to maintain the health of people living within the homes.
- Play a supporting role to Senior Managers and Team Leaders regarding the Contract Monitoring process, providing reports and management information on the conduct of the home where this is necessary.
- Liaise with external Agencies as appropriate, and ensure that contact between the staff team and those Agencies is conducted in a professional manner.
- Work with the Registered Manager and Personnel Department in supporting the recruitment and selection of staff, and assist the Area Manager in the formulation of staffing strategies, Policies and Procedures, and other pieces of managerial work as required.
- Participate, as required, in the formulation of budgets, and to monitor expenditure in specific budget headings, as required.
- Ensure that proper record and administrative systems are in place within the home, as required by CareTech Policy & Procedures, and Statutory Authorities.
- Be accountable for the management of the Home’s petty cash float and any monies/valuables belonging to service users kept within the home.
- Participate in the Area’s on-call management system as required.
- Ensure that the home is run in accordance with good Health & Safety practice and legal requirements.
- Ensure that maintenance and equipment renewal needs are communicated to the relevant person, obtaining costings/quotes where appropriate, and then ordering items/services once authorised.
- Ensure that good communication networks are maintained within the home, upwards within CareTech’s management structure, and sideways to relevant others.
- Support the Company’s Disciplinary & Grievance processes, as required, including involvement in Investigations, and the Chairing of Disciplinary Hearings if need be.
- Ensure that all staff within the Home are aware of, and adhere to, CareTech’s Policy & Procedures, and to have involvement in the review and revision of these, and other Company documents when required.
- Undertake any other managerial tasks as required, in accordance with the seniority and level of responsibility inherent in this position.
Requirements:
- Diploma (or equivalent) in Health and Social Care or be willing to work towards.
- Experience in managing multiple sites (preferred).
- Experience in managing fast-paced environments.
- Experience in supporting adults with challenging behaviour, learning disabilities and mental health issues.
- The ability to keep calm under pressure.
- Confidence to work alone and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills.
- The passion to work with vulnerable Adults.
- The desire and commitment to achieve high standards of safeguarding.
What We Offer:
- Recommend A Friend Bonus
- Up to 28 Days Holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Free DBS Check
- Blue Light Card
- Stakeholder Pension
- Free Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual Employee Awards Evening
- Employee Recognition Schemes
- Ongoing training with clear career progression opportunities, including access to qualifications up to degree level
- CareTech Foundation - Opportunity to apply for family and friend’s grant
Our Values:
- Friendly
- Positive
- Innovative
- Empowering
- Person-Centred
Apply today to join a friendly, empowering organisation committed to person-centred support and creating Extraordinary Days, Every Day.
About CareTech:
Founded in 1993, CareTech is one of the largest and most reputable specialist social care and special education needs providers across the UK. The Group has a track record of more than 30 years, delivering high quality, person-centred care to those with complex needs. The Group was founded by brother Haroon and Farouq Sheikh, who continue to lead CareTech today, providing continuity of leadership, long term stability and a deep personal commitment to the people we support.
CareTech Community Services are proud to inform you that they are a Disability Confident Leader.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7–10 days.
Some roles may require male or female employees only, where this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Strictly no agencies.
Service Lead employer: CareTech Group
All Hallows Neuro Rehabilitation Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults with long-term neurological conditions. With competitive pay, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression, our team enjoys a culture that values employee well-being and recognition. Located in the picturesque setting of Ditchingham, Norfolk, we provide a unique chance to work alongside a dedicated multi-disciplinary team while benefiting from free meals and on-site parking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at CareTech Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from CareTech Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like CareTech Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at CareTech Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to CareTech Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CareTech Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CareTech Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
