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Careers

Make a difference every day by building a career that changes young lives for the better.

We’re excited to share our current career opportunities below. If none of these roles are quite the right fit but you’d still like to be considered, feel free to send your CV to hr-recruitmentcare@headstartcare.co.uk — we’re always happy to hear from passionate, committed people.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Actively contributing to creating and sustaining a positive and nurturing environment in the home. The goal is to ensure that young people in the facility experience emotional security, happiness, and personal growth.
  • Understand and be well-versed in the philosophy and policies of the organization or group overseeing the home. It’s essential to align one’s actions and decisions with these principles.
  • Actively participate in planning and engaging young people in recreational and social activities. It aims to provide a range of leisure activities that are constructive, engaging, and socially enriching.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work. It’s crucial to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information related to the young people and their situations.

Young People

  • Build positive and respectful relationships with young people. Setting a positive example for other staff members.
  • Promote and reinforce socially acceptable behaviour among young people, as outlined in the Staff Handbook and other guidelines.
  • Offer guidance and counselling to young people in matters related to their personal and social development.
  • Actively contributing to the safe supervision of young people by maintaining control over situations and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Maintain open and effective communication to identify and address any problems or difficulties faced by young people and ensuring that necessary resources are utilized to alleviate these issues.

Staff Group

  • Actively engaging in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to the role. It may include attending workshops, courses, or training sessions.
  • Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings when they are relevant or necessary. Staff meetings are important for communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Take part in in-service training programs that are relevant to the role and help improve one’s professional skills and knowledge.
  • Play a role in the orientation and initial support of new staff members, helping them become acclimated to their roles and the organization’s culture.
  • Support the creation of work schedules or rosters that optimize the allocation of staff resources while considering the needs of both the children and the staff.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

  • Utilise the organisation’s designated systems and tools for documenting and tracking the progress and development of young people under care. It ensures that comprehensive records are maintained.
  • Create social and emotional reports when necessary. These reports may provide valuable insights into the well-being and development of the young people and can be used for assessment and planning purposes.
  • Participate in and actively contribute to specific meetings, such as the Annual Multi-disciplinary Review and care planning sessions. These meetings are crucial for evaluating and planning the care and support provided to young people.

Resources

  • Use the available resources within the Home efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the young people in care. It also includes being aware of additional resources provided by the organization (Headstart Residential Care) and those available in the broader community to enhance the care and support provided.
  • Ensure that the living areas and social spaces used by the young people are kept orderly and clean. In emergency situations, it may involve taking immediate action to address cleanliness issues in these areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

Management, Organisation and Administration

  • Assess and monitor the quality of relationships among young people, between staff and young people, and among staff members. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and work towards enhancing these relationships.
  • Step into the role and responsibilities of the Senior Care Mentor when they are not available. It implies taking on leadership and managerial duties as needed.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate casework records for a specific group of young people, tracking their progress and development. It also includes making informed decisions and ensuring that these decisions are effectively implemented for the benefit of these young people.

General Duties

  • Be willing to take on tasks or responsibilities that may not be part of the usual job description but are considered reasonable by the Registered Manager or their appointed deputy.
  • Provide transportation for young people to various destinations such as school, shopping trips, and activities. It may involve driving and ensuring the safety and well-being of the young people during these journeys.
  • Be available for sleeping-in shifts as needed. Sleeping-in duties typically entail being on-site during night-time hours to respond to any emergencies or provide support if necessary.

Pay & Benefits

We offer competitive pay, clear progression, and additional earning opportunities to reward commitment and experience.

  • Care Mentors: £13.00 per hour
  • Qualified Care Mentors (Level 3 NVQ in Childcare): £14.00 per hour
  • Waking Nights: £13.50 per hour

Additional earnings:

  • On-call shifts paid at £40 per shift (typically around 2 per month)
  • Sleep-in shifts paid at £80 per shift (agreed at interview)
  • Overtime paid at 1.25x standard hourly rate

Earning potential:

A qualified Care Mentor working a 40-hour contract at £14 per hour can earn a base salary of £41,600 per year, with additional earnings available through sleep-ins and on-call shifts.

Holiday & progression:

  • 5.6 weeks annual leave
  • Additional “Service Days” awarded for each year of service (up to 5 extra days)
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Actively contributing to creating and sustaining a positive and nurturing environment in the home. The goal is to ensure that young people in the facility experience emotional security, happiness, and personal growth.
  • Understand and be well-versed in the philosophy and policies of the organization or group overseeing the home. It’s essential to align one’s actions and decisions with these principles.
  • Actively participate in planning and engaging young people in recreational and social activities. It aims to provide a range of leisure activities that are constructive, engaging, and socially enriching.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work. It’s crucial to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information related to the young people and their situations.

Young People

  • Build positive and respectful relationships with young people. Setting a positive example for other staff members.
  • Promote and reinforce socially acceptable behaviour among young people, as outlined in the Staff Handbook and other guidelines.
  • Offer guidance and counselling to young people in matters related to their personal and social development.
  • Actively contributing to the safe supervision of young people by maintaining control over situations and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Maintain open and effective communication to identify and address any problems or difficulties faced by young people and ensuring that necessary resources are utilized to alleviate these issues.

Staff Group

  • Actively engaging in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to the role. It may include attending workshops, courses, or training sessions.
  • Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings when they are relevant or necessary. Staff meetings are important for communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Take part in in-service training programs that are relevant to the role and help improve one’s professional skills and knowledge.
  • Play a role in the orientation and initial support of new staff members, helping them become acclimated to their roles and the organization’s culture.
  • Support the creation of work schedules or rosters that optimize the allocation of staff resources while considering the needs of both the children and the staff.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

  • Utilise the organisation’s designated systems and tools for documenting and tracking the progress and development of young people under care. It ensures that comprehensive records are maintained.
  • Create social and emotional reports when necessary. These reports may provide valuable insights into the well-being and development of the young people and can be used for assessment and planning purposes.
  • Participate in and actively contribute to specific meetings, such as the Annual Multi-disciplinary Review and care planning sessions. These meetings are crucial for evaluating and planning the care and support provided to young people.

Resources

  • Use the available resources within the Home efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the young people in care. It also includes being aware of additional resources provided by the organization (Headstart Residential Care) and those available in the broader community to enhance the care and support provided.
  • Ensure that the living areas and social spaces used by the young people are kept orderly and clean. In emergency situations, it may involve taking immediate action to address cleanliness issues in these areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

Management, Organisation and Administration

  • Assess and monitor the quality of relationships among young people, between staff and young people, and among staff members. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and work towards enhancing these relationships.
  • Step into the role and responsibilities of the Senior Care Mentor when they are not available. It implies taking on leadership and managerial duties as needed.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate casework records for a specific group of young people, tracking their progress and development. It also includes making informed decisions and ensuring that these decisions are effectively implemented for the benefit of these young people.

General Duties

  • Be willing to take on tasks or responsibilities that may not be part of the usual job description but are considered reasonable by the Registered Manager or their appointed deputy.
  • Provide transportation for young people to various destinations such as school, shopping trips, and activities. It may involve driving and ensuring the safety and well-being of the young people during these journeys.
  • Be available for sleeping-in shifts as needed. Sleeping-in duties typically entail being on-site during night-time hours to respond to any emergencies or provide support if necessary.

Pay & Benefits

We offer competitive pay, clear progression, and additional earning opportunities to reward commitment and experience.

  • Care Mentors: £13.00 per hour
  • Qualified Care Mentors (Level 3 NVQ in Childcare): £14.00 per hour
  • Waking Nights: £13.50 per hour

Additional earnings:

  • On-call shifts paid at £40 per shift (typically around 2 per month)
  • Sleep-in shifts paid at £80 per shift (agreed at interview)
  • Overtime paid at 1.25x standard hourly rate

Earning potential:

A qualified Care Mentor working a 40-hour contract at £14 per hour can earn a base salary of £41,600 per year, with additional earnings available through sleep-ins and on-call shifts.

Holiday & progression:

  • 5.6 weeks annual leave
  • Additional “Service Days” awarded for each year of service (up to 5 extra days)
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Actively contributing to creating and sustaining a positive and nurturing environment in the home. The goal is to ensure that young people in the facility experience emotional security, happiness, and personal growth.
  • Understand and be well-versed in the philosophy and policies of the organization or group overseeing the home. It’s essential to align one’s actions and decisions with these principles.
  • Actively participate in planning and engaging young people in recreational and social activities. It aims to provide a range of leisure activities that are constructive, engaging, and socially enriching.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work. It’s crucial to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information related to the young people and their situations.

Young People

  • Build positive and respectful relationships with young people. Setting a positive example for other staff members.
  • Promote and reinforce socially acceptable behaviour among young people, as outlined in the Staff Handbook and other guidelines.
  • Offer guidance and counselling to young people in matters related to their personal and social development.
  • Actively contributing to the safe supervision of young people by maintaining control over situations and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Maintain open and effective communication to identify and address any problems or difficulties faced by young people and ensuring that necessary resources are utilized to alleviate these issues.

Staff Group

  • Actively engaging in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to the role. It may include attending workshops, courses, or training sessions.
  • Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings when they are relevant or necessary. Staff meetings are important for communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Take part in in-service training programs that are relevant to the role and help improve one’s professional skills and knowledge.
  • Play a role in the orientation and initial support of new staff members, helping them become acclimated to their roles and the organization’s culture.
  • Support the creation of work schedules or rosters that optimize the allocation of staff resources while considering the needs of both the children and the staff.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

  • Utilise the organisation’s designated systems and tools for documenting and tracking the progress and development of young people under care. It ensures that comprehensive records are maintained.
  • Create social and emotional reports when necessary. These reports may provide valuable insights into the well-being and development of the young people and can be used for assessment and planning purposes.
  • Participate in and actively contribute to specific meetings, such as the Annual Multi-disciplinary Review and care planning sessions. These meetings are crucial for evaluating and planning the care and support provided to young people.

Resources

  • Use the available resources within the Home efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the young people in care. It also includes being aware of additional resources provided by the organization (Headstart Residential Care) and those available in the broader community to enhance the care and support provided.
  • Ensure that the living areas and social spaces used by the young people are kept orderly and clean. In emergency situations, it may involve taking immediate action to address cleanliness issues in these areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

Management, Organisation and Administration

  • Assess and monitor the quality of relationships among young people, between staff and young people, and among staff members. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and work towards enhancing these relationships.
  • Step into the role and responsibilities of the Senior Care Mentor when they are not available. It implies taking on leadership and managerial duties as needed.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate casework records for a specific group of young people, tracking their progress and development. It also includes making informed decisions and ensuring that these decisions are effectively implemented for the benefit of these young people.

General Duties

  • Be willing to take on tasks or responsibilities that may not be part of the usual job description but are considered reasonable by the Registered Manager or their appointed deputy.
  • Provide transportation for young people to various destinations such as school, shopping trips, and activities. It may involve driving and ensuring the safety and well-being of the young people during these journeys.
  • Be available for sleeping-in shifts as needed. Sleeping-in duties typically entail being on-site during night-time hours to respond to any emergencies or provide support if necessary.

Pay & Benefits

We offer competitive pay, clear progression, and additional earning opportunities to reward commitment and experience.

  • Care Mentors: £13.00 per hour
  • Qualified Care Mentors (Level 3 NVQ in Childcare): £14.00 per hour
  • Waking Nights: £13.50 per hour

Additional earnings:

  • On-call shifts paid at £40 per shift (typically around 2 per month)
  • Sleep-in shifts paid at £80 per shift (agreed at interview)
  • Overtime paid at 1.25x standard hourly rate

Earning potential:

A qualified Care Mentor working a 40-hour contract at £14 per hour can earn a base salary of £41,600 per year, with additional earnings available through sleep-ins and on-call shifts.

Holiday & progression:

  • 5.6 weeks annual leave
  • Additional “Service Days” awarded for each year of service (up to 5 extra days)
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Actively contributing to creating and sustaining a positive and nurturing environment in the home. The goal is to ensure that young people in the facility experience emotional security, happiness, and personal growth.
  • Understand and be well-versed in the philosophy and policies of the organization or group overseeing the home. It’s essential to align one’s actions and decisions with these principles.
  • Actively participate in planning and engaging young people in recreational and social activities. It aims to provide a range of leisure activities that are constructive, engaging, and socially enriching.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work. It’s crucial to respect the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information related to the young people and their situations.
  • Two days ion call per week.
  • Two sleeps per week.

Young People

  • Build positive and respectful relationships with young people. Setting a positive example for other staff members.
  • Promote and reinforce socially acceptable behaviour among young people, as outlined in the Staff Handbook and other guidelines.
  • Offer guidance and counselling to young people in matters related to their personal and social development.
  • Actively contributing to the safe supervision of young people by maintaining control over situations and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Maintain open and effective communication to identify and address any problems or difficulties faced by young people and ensuring that necessary resources are utilized to alleviate these issues.

Staff Group

  • Actively engaging in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to the role. It may include attending workshops, courses, or training sessions.
  • Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings when they are relevant or necessary. Staff meetings are important for communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Take part in in-service training programs that are relevant to the role and help improve one’s professional skills and knowledge.
  • Play a role in the orientation and initial support of new staff members, helping them become acclimated to their roles and the organization’s culture.
  • Support the creation of work schedules or rosters that optimize the allocation of staff resources while considering the needs of both the children and the staff.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

  • Utilise the organisation’s designated systems and tools for documenting and tracking the progress and development of young people under care. It ensures that comprehensive records are maintained.
  • Create social and emotional reports when necessary. These reports may provide valuable insights into the well-being and development of the young people and can be used for assessment and planning purposes.
  • Participate in and actively contribute to specific meetings, such as the Annual Multi-disciplinary Review and care planning sessions. These meetings are crucial for evaluating and planning the care and support provided to young people.

Resources

  • Use the available resources within the Home efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the young people in care. It also includes being aware of additional resources provided by the organization (Headstart Residential Care) and those available in the broader community to enhance the care and support provided.
  • Ensure that the living areas and social spaces used by the young people are kept orderly and clean. In emergency situations, it may involve taking immediate action to address cleanliness issues in these areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

Management, Organisation and Administration

  • Assess and monitor the quality of relationships among young people, between staff and young people, and among staff members. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and work towards enhancing these relationships.
  • Step into the role and responsibilities of the Senior Care Mentor when they are not available. It implies taking on leadership and managerial duties as needed.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate casework records for a specific group of young people, tracking their progress and development. It also includes making informed decisions and ensuring that these decisions are effectively implemented for the benefit of these young people.

General Duties

  • Be willing to take on tasks or responsibilities that may not be part of the usual job description but are considered reasonable by the Registered Manager or their appointed deputy.
  • Provide transportation for young people to various destinations such as school, shopping trips, and activities. It may involve driving and ensuring the safety and well-being of the young people during these journeys.
  • Be available for sleeping-in shifts as needed. Sleeping-in duties typically entail being on-site during night-time hours to respond to any emergencies or provide support if necessary.

Pay & Benefits

We offer competitive pay, clear progression, and additional earning opportunities to reward commitment and experience.

  • Senior Mentors: £15.60 per hour

Additional earnings:

  • On-call shifts paid at £40 per shift (typically around 2 per month)
  • Sleep-in shifts paid at £80 per shift (agreed at interview)
  • Overtime paid at 1.25x standard hourly rate

Holiday & progression:

  • 5.6 weeks annual leave
  • Additional “Service Days” awarded for each year of service (up to 5 extra days)
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities

 

Overall Responsibilities

  • This task involves communicating with senior staff members when starting a shift to stay informed about any ongoing or outstanding issues related to various aspects such as medical concerns, behavioral issues, or building maintenance.
  • This responsibility entails overseeing and ensuring the well-being and safety of young individuals in your care while they are sleeping. It’s important to maintain a vigilant presence during this time.
  • This task involves maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the home or facility where you work. Regular cleaning duties are necessary to create a clean and welcoming environment for the young people in your care.
  • This responsibility requires you to thoroughly understand and be knowledgeable about the values, philosophy, and policies of the organization or home where you work. This knowledge helps in providing consistent care and support to young people and aligning with the organization’s mission.
  • This is a crucial aspect of the job, emphasizing the need to handle sensitive information and situations with utmost confidentiality and professionalism. It’s important to respect the privacy and confidentiality of both the young people and the organization.

Young People

  • Build positive and respectful relationships with young people. Setting a positive example for other staff members.
  • Promote and reinforce socially acceptable behaviour among young people, as outlined in the Staff Handbook and other guidelines.
  • Offer guidance and counselling to young people in matters related to their personal and social development.
  • Actively contributing to the safe supervision of young people by maintaining control over situations and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Maintain open and effective communication to identify and address any problems or difficulties faced by young people and ensuring that necessary resources are utilized to alleviate these issues.

Staff Group

  • Actively engaging in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to the role. It may include attending workshops, courses, or training sessions.
  • Attend and actively contribute to staff meetings when they are relevant or necessary. Staff meetings are important for communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Take part in in-service training programs that are relevant to the role and help improve one’s professional skills and knowledge.
  • Play a role in the orientation and initial support of new staff members, helping them become acclimated to their roles and the organization’s culture.

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

  • Utilise the organisation’s designated systems and tools for documenting and tracking the progress and development of young people under care. It ensures that comprehensive records are maintained.
  • Create social and emotional reports when necessary. These reports may provide valuable insights into the well-being and development of the young people and can be used for assessment and planning purposes.

Resources

  • Use the available resources within the Home efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the young people in care. It also includes being aware of additional resources provided by the organization (Headstart Residential Care) and those available in the broader community to enhance the care and support provided.
  • Ensure that the living areas and social spaces used by the young people are kept orderly and clean. In emergency situations, it may involve taking immediate action to address cleanliness issues in these areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

Specific Duties

  • Collaborate with other staff members to create a calm and supportive bedtime routine for young people. It may include activities like reading bedtime stories, providing comfort, or ensuring a peaceful sleeping environment to help the young individuals transition into sleep.
  • Follow follow individualized health plans or strategies for young people who have a history of enuresis. It may involve helping them with appropriate measures, such as monitoring fluid intake, using protective bedding, or implementing specific toileting routines as recommended in their health plan.
  • Conduct periodic walkthrough checks of the entire home or facility where young people reside. These checks are typically done to ensure the safety and security of the environment. During these checks, staff may look for potential hazards, ensure that doors and windows are secure, and monitor for any unusual or concerning situations that may require immediate attention. Regular checks help maintain a safe and orderly living space for the young people.

These additional responsibilities demonstrate the importance of teamwork in providing a supportive sleep environment, following individualized health plans for specific needs, and maintaining the overall safety and security of the residential setting.

General Duties

  • Be willing to take on tasks or responsibilities that may not be part of the usual job description but are considered reasonable by the Registered Manager or their appointed deputy.

A Culture of Growth and Support

We believe in developing our staff just as much as we support our young people. Staff are encouraged to pursue areas of interest, engage in specialist training, and contribute to the evolving care practices within our homes. Regular team meetings, supervision, and training days ensure that everyone is aligned, supported, and continually learning.

Continuity and Connection

Our homes are intentionally small, allowing for strong, consistent relationships between staff and young people. This continuity of care builds trust, promotes emotional security, and enables staff to truly understand and respond to each child’s unique needs.

Why work at Headstart?

Therapeutic and Inclusive Environment

Staff work in a nurturing, rural setting where education is integrated with therapeutic support, outdoor learning, and vocational experiences.

Collaborative Culture

Our team includes teachers, therapists, support staff, and specialists who work closely together to provide holistic, person-centred care and education.

Professional Development

We invest in our staff through ongoing training in areas such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), PRICE, autism awareness, safeguarding, and integrated therapies.

Meaningful Impact

Every role at Headstart contributes directly to improving the life chances of our pupils, helping them build confidence, independence, and essential life skills.

Excellent Rates of pay

We have excellent rates of pay and benefits coupled with yearly progression through pay scales for all staff.

Find our more about Headstart School today.

Want to learn more about our wider work? Visit Headstart School to see how we combine education and care to support young people every step of the way.

I’ve consistently found the team to be highly professional, communicative, and responsive. Their commitment to supporting the child is evident in the positive progress I’ve observed, particularly in how they tailor care to individual needs. The collaborative approach and openness to partnership working have made a real difference in ensuring continuity and quality of care.

The young person has made great progress since being at Headstart, to the point that his staffing has now reduced to 1:1 in the daytime (he was 3:1 a few years ago). Staff really understand and appreciate him, and have helped him develop his independence and confidence. His keyworker in particular is amazing and so dedicated. The team are professional and keep me up to date.