Assistant Care Manager in Harrogate

Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to support the management of a team of SEN Care Support Workers, ensuring the delivery of a safe, effective, responsive, and person-centred service for our students. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering high-quality care and promoting the development and independence of young people with complex needs.

You will be responsible for supervising and supporting staff through regular appraisals, observations, and training, including facilitating inductions and contributing to staff development. You will write and review person-centred care plans and risk assessments, liaise with colleagues across the college, and help ensure students' EHCP targets are met. The role also includes supporting recruitment and staff retention, participating in the assessment of prospective students, administering and managing medication, and delivering staff training in areas such as moving and handling.

You will play a key role in quality assurance through audits and action plans, and support regulatory compliance with CQC and relevant legislation. You will deputise for Care Managers when needed, take part in the on-call rota, and liaise with the Clinical team to ensure students' complex care needs are met effectively. Upholding safeguarding and health & safety standards is essential, including incident reporting and staff debriefing. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about delivering outstanding care and leading a dedicated team in a supportive, student-focused environment.

Salary: £15.02 per hour, Annual £31,241.60

Working Hours: 3-week rolling rota, combination of earlies, late and long days, including weekend working.

Hours per week: 40

Weeks per Year: 52

Holiday: 5 weeks plus 10 days bank holiday allowance

Closing Date: 31st Jan at 12 noon (Position may close earlier than the closing date)

Requirements: We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and flexible individual with a genuine commitment to supporting young people with complex needs. The ideal candidate will have a good standard of literacy and numeracy, and be willing to assist with personal care while promoting student independence and development. They must be able to stay calm under pressure, particularly when managing challenging behaviours, and demonstrate knowledge of learning disabilities and the importance of dignity and respect in care. A flexible approach to working hours is essential, along with a commitment to ongoing training and personal development including the completion of the Skills for Care Induction Award within 12 weeks if no formal care qualifications are held. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or be willing to work towards Level 3.

The role also requires the physical ability to support students with mobility needs, including the safe use of wheelchairs and hoisting equipment (training provided). In addition, you must be able to carry out clinical interventions such as administering medication and delivering gastronomy feeds, following appropriate training and competency assessments. Most importantly, candidates must have an enthusiastic, respectful, and professional approach to supporting our student group.

Other Information: Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate. Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.