At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee residential and community services, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join JMR Healthcare, a respected care provider in the East of England.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led organisation focused on compassion and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families with your leadership.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Poringland, Norfolk (with travel as required)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time (37.5 hours) Monday to Friday between 08:00 – 18:00 (flexible to accommodate evenings and weekends as required)
Application Closing Date: Sunday 11 January 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026
As our Head of Services you will provide key leadership and operational oversight across our Residential and Community Services. You will drive excellence in quality, regulatory compliance and financial sustainability, all whilst ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of every decision.
Your skills and experience will inspire our service leaders to set, and maintain, high operational and cultural standards. Your role will play a key role in the next stage of our history, and this will be done whilst balancing compassionate, trauma‑informed care, with commercial insight and strategic ambition.
Requirements
- At least a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare (or relevant equivalent qualification)
- A proven track record as a senior leader in children’s social care, or health/social care services
- In‑depth understanding of CQC and Ofsted regulatory frameworks and experience in achieving positive inspection results
- Extensive experience in managing multi‑site services, budgets and teams to deliver excellence outcomes.
About JMR Healthcare
Founded in 2020, JMR Healthcare has grown into one of the East of England’s most respected care providers, delivering high‑quality support to individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Our services include residential care, family support, crisis intervention, and in‑house accredited training.
Behind our frontline care is a dedicated central services team that ensures our services run smoothly, efficiently, and with integrity.
About the Crisis Management & Family Support Service
JMR Healthcare’s Crisis Management Services (CMS) Team delivers rapid, high‑quality care to children and young people in urgent or complex situations. Known for mobilising fully managed care packages within 48 hours, the team also provides tailored Family Support Services, helping families navigate challenging circumstances with compassion and professionalism.
Support Workers are guided by our experienced Community Care Managers, ensuring every care package is safe, responsive, and person‑centred. Whether supporting individuals or entire families, the CMS team embodies our core values — Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage — in every action.
About the Residential Team
JMR Healthcare’s Residential Team provides high‑quality, person‑centred care to children and young people with complex needs, including autism, learning disabilities, and mental health challenges. Led by our Regional Residential Manager, the team includes Registered Managers, Deputy Managers, Senior Support Workers, and Support Workers — all working together to create safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive.
Our Residential Homes are Ofsted‑registered and operate with a strong focus on safeguarding, therapeutic support, and positive behavioural outcomes. Every team member plays a vital role in delivering care that reflects our core values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage — whether supporting daily routines, managing crises, or contributing to strategic development.
About our Central Services
JMR Healthcare’s central services teams support the delivery of high‑quality care across the East of England. The teams oversee the management of our Residential and Crisis Management & Family Support Services, as well as key functions including Finance, HR, Governance, and Property Maintenance.
Working behind the scenes, the teams ensure our operations are safe, efficient, and values‑led. Whether coordinating care packages, maintaining our facilities, or supporting our workforce, every role contributes to our mission of delivering world‑class outcomes with Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re passionate about supporting meaningful work and thrive in a values‑led environment built on Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your application through our portal. If you would like a confidential conversation about this role, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on recruitment@jmrhealthcareagency.co.uk.
JMR Healthcare LTD and JMR Recruitment LTD are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, and we expect all our staff to share in this responsibility.
The JMR Safer Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Schedule 2 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, where all offers of employment, and engagement, are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check with Adult & Child barred list checks and other pre‑employment checks to confirm suitability to work with children and young people. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please note, we do not offer sponsorship.
* Closing date for applications: We will review candidates as and when applications are received and reserve the right to close this job advert early. It is therefore advised that you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Head of Care (Head of Services) in Poringland employer: JMR Healthcare
JMR Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Courage. Located in Poringland, Norfolk, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth and development within the dynamic field of children's social care, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care. With a commitment to regulatory compliance and financial sustainability, we empower our leaders to inspire excellence while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Care (Head of Services) in Poringland
✨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 JMR Healthcare.
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Care (Head of Services) in Poringland
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 JMR Healthcare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to JMR Healthcare! 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 JMR Healthcare
✨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.
