Recruiting outstanding
people for the Healthcare and
Social Work sectors

Children’s Residential Care Consultant (Interim / Freelance)

Children’s Residential Care Consultants – Interim & Project Support Are you currently operating or developing a children’s residential service and in need of experienced, hands-on consultancy support? At Leaders in Care Recruitment, we connect providers with highly skilled Children’s Home Consultants who can step in quickly to support a wide range of operational, compliance, and development needs. We don’t just fill roles — we deliver tailored consultancy solutions based on your exact requirements. We can support with: Setting up and registering new children’s homes Ofsted preparation, inspections, and compliance improvement Interim leadership and management cover Service turnaround and quality improvement projects Operational audits and risk management Staff training, coaching, and development How it works: You tell us your challenge, project, or support need We match you with an experienced consultant from our network All consultancy is managed and invoiced through Leaders in Care for simplicity and compliance Fast, flexible access to specialist expertise when you need it most Why organisations work with us: Access to proven children’s residential care experts Flexible short-term or project-based support Reduced risk with experienced, vetted consultants Rapid turnaround for urgent operational needs No long-term commitment required Whether you’re launching a new home, preparing for inspection, or stabilising an existing service, we can connect you with the right expertise quickly. Speak to us today via nathan@leadersincare.co.uk to discuss your consultancy requirements and we’ll match you with the right specialist.

Social Worker

Supportive leadership | Flexible working patterns | Manageable caseloads | Meaningful impact Finding the right Children’s Social Worker role isn’t just about pay, it’s about feeling supported, having a manageable caseload, and being able to do your best work. This opportunity is designed for experienced practitioners who want clarity, transparency, and control over their next move, whether you identify as a Children’s Social Worker, Child Protection Social Worker, or Safeguarding Social Worker. You’ll have access to honest insights about teams and leadership before committing, giving you the confidence to choose a role that genuinely fits your working style and priorities. Package • Up to £45 per hour. • Condensed working options available. • Strong team support and accessible management. • Accommodation bonus available. About the Company This organisation prioritises quality of care and sustainable workloads, with leadership teams focused on supporting practitioners rather than overwhelming them. You’ll be joining a service that values informed decision-making, open communication, and long-term success for both staff and families. Key Responsibilities • Manage a caseload across services such as Child Protection, Looked After Children, or Referral and Assessment. • Complete high-quality assessments, care plans, and safeguarding interventions. • Work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes. • Maintain accurate and compliant case recording in line with statutory requirements. About You • Qualified Social Worker with registration and experience in children’s services. • Recent experience within Child Protection, Looked After Children, or Assessment teams. • Ability to manage a caseload independently within a statutory setting. If you’re an experienced Children’s Social Worker looking for a role that aligns with your priorities, it’s worth having a conversation even if your CV isn’t up to date. Contact tommy@leadersincare.co.uk for more information or call Tommy on 07828 497 807 for a confidential discussion.  

Senior Social Worker - Children With Disabilities

Hybrid working | Specialist service | Career progression | Supportive team environment Make a real impact as a Senior Social Worker within a dedicated Children with Disabilities service, where your experience will directly shape outcomes for vulnerable children and families. This Senior Social Worker role offers the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge while still building on core safeguarding experience such as Child Protection and Court work. You will benefit from a balanced approach to flexible working, with time in the office supporting collaboration and time at home for focused work. This is a strong opportunity for an experienced Social Worker or Child Protection Social Worker ready to step into a more senior position. Package & Benefits • £49,056 to £55,323 per annum plus £3,000 retention and recruitment bonus. • Hybrid working with 3 days office based. • Free on-site parking. • Permanent contract offering long-term stability and development. About the Company This service is committed to delivering high-quality support to children and families, with a strong focus on inclusive practice and safeguarding. You will join a team that values collaboration, professional curiosity, and continuous improvement within children’s social care. Key Responsibilities • Manage a complex caseload across Children in Need, Child Protection, and Children Looked After. • Undertake assessments and care planning for children with disabilities and their families. • Contribute to court proceedings and provide high-quality reports when required. • Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure safe and effective outcomes. About You • Qualified Social Worker with experience in Child Protection, Children in Need, or Court work. • Previous experience working as a Social Worker within statutory children’s services. • Registration with Social Work England. If you are an experienced Senior Social Worker or ready to take the next step from an Experienced Social Worker role, this position offers the chance to specialise while maintaining a varied and rewarding caseload. Even if your CV is not fully up to date, we would still like to hear from you. Contact Leaders in Care for more information or a confidential discussion.

Deputy Manager - Children's Home

Established Organisation | 4:1 Support | Full-Time | £45,000 Salary Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Care – £45,000 We’re currently working alongside an established children’s residential care provider on the South Coast of England, who are looking for an experienced Deputy Manager to support their 4:1 complex trauma / EBD children’s home on a full-time basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Deputy Manager or Senior Residential Practitioner looking to step up, seeking a hands-on role with real influence over service delivery, team development, and care quality. You’ll be joining a well-established provider with a strong foundation and commitment to high-quality care. You’ll support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and all organisational policies and procedures, while promoting an open and transparent culture. You will help oversee regulatory compliance, support the home in meeting all Ofsted requirements, and contribute to the ongoing development and quality assurance of the service. Benefits: Full-time, permanent position Competitive salary of £45,000 Opportunity to progress within an established and supportive provider Strong focus on quality care and professional development Opportunity to make a real impact within a 4:1 specialist setting Requirements: Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare (Level 5 in Leadership & Management desirable or willingness to work towards) Previous experience in a senior role within children’s residential care Essential experience working with Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) Strong understanding of safeguarding, Ofsted standards & care regulations Proven ability in leadership, staff support, and service delivery Ability to work as part of a team and support the Registered Manager in achieving service goals If you’re an experienced Senior or Deputy Manager looking for a full-time opportunity where you can make a meaningful impact within a supportive and established service, please reach out to discuss further. To apply, contact Chris on 07897024978 or email your CV to Chris@leadersincare.co.uk to arrange a confidential chat.

Social Worker - Assessments Team

Flexible working culture | Low caseloads | Supportive leadership | Autonomy encouraged A rare opportunity for a Duty & Assessment Social Worker to work in a genuinely flexible environment where your time, judgement, and expertise are trusted. With hybrid working and reduced office expectations, this role is built around helping you deliver meaningful outcomes without unnecessary pressure. As a Duty & Assessment Social Worker, you will focus on high-impact frontline work, supported by experienced managers and long-standing staff. This is an ideal position for an Assessment Social Worker or Duty Social Worker seeking balance, autonomy, and consistent contract stability. Package & Benefits • Up to £38.43 per hour. • 6-month rolling contract for long-term stability. • Hybrid working with only 1 to 2 days in the office. • Condensed hours and flexible working patterns available. • Loyalty bonus available. About the Company You will be joining a progressive local authority with a strong reputation for supporting its workforce. The service promotes manageable caseloads, values professional autonomy, and is led by a stable, experienced management team focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for children and families. Key Responsibilities • Complete holistic assessments for children and families following new referrals. • Lead safeguarding enquiries including Section 47 investigations where risk is identified. • Identify and coordinate appropriate services for children with complex needs and disabilities. • Act as the first point of contact within duty, ensuring timely and effective decision making. About You • Qualified Social Worker with Social Care Wales registration. • Experience within duty, assessment, or frontline children’s services. • Proven experience undertaking safeguarding and Section 47 enquiries. If you are a Duty & Assessment Social Worker looking for flexibility, stability, and a supportive team environment, this role offers the balance many roles promise but rarely deliver. Even if your CV is not fully up to date, we would still welcome a conversation. Contact Leaders in Care for more information or a confidential discussion.

Residential Support Worker - Outside IR35

Outside IR35 | Residential Support Worker | Channel Islands | Holiday Destination | Free Accommodation Are you looking for a change of scene, but what to continue to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families? We are currently recruiting for childrens homes based in the Channel Islands who are looking for experienced support workers to work within Residential Children's Home. You will take part in sleep duties within the homes, meaning overnight stays, however this comes with the benefit of stand by pay (paying 0.25x your hourly rate) as well as full pay if you get called out - not to mention they pay 2x on bank holidays! On top of this you will also we outside IR35 -meaning almost half the tax you would pay on the mainland, as well as paid travel/moving costs, and accommodation provided. Due to the nature of the work you will need to hold at least a level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or Equivalent, as well as be over 21 and hold a clean drivers license.  If you would like to know more please contact Nathan, or send your CV to nathan@leadersincare.co.uk to apply You must have full registration to Social Work England 

Ofsted Registered Manager - Complex Needs

2 Bed Complex Needs | Negotiable Salary | Decision Making Role | Career Progression Opportunity Registered Manager - Ofsted Regulated Children's EBD Home East London / North Kent - Up to £65,000 We’re currently working alongside an established children's residential care provider in North East London, who are looking for an experienced Residential Manager to lead their brand-new  2 bed children’s home, supporting young people aged 11-17 with complex needs. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Registered Manager who feels stagnant in their current role with no further progression, or an experienced Deputy who is keen to further their career this year, to join an organisation with have further growth plans to open a second home in the next year, with the potential opportunity to progress into a Responsible Individual or Dual Registered Manager post.  You’ll be responsible for setting up and overseeing the full operational management of the home, magaging a team of 5 (1 Team Lead and 4 Support Workers), to support the Ops Manager and RI in creating a safe, trauma-informed environment where the children in the service can thrive. Benefits:  Full autonomy to run the home how you see fit Salary up to £65,000 Easily commutable from Essex and Kent Generous annual leave Pension, training & more   Requirements  Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Residential Childcare) 3+ years’ experience in residential childcare (incl. 1+ years in management) Strong understanding of safeguarding, Ofsted standards & care regs Skilled in team leadership, service development & partnership working If you're an RM looking to make a change where you have full autonomy in all decision making, or an experienced Deputy Manager looking to further your career and make the step up, i'd love to hear from you. To apply, contact Chris on 07897024978 or email your CV to Chris@leadersincare.co.uk to arrange a confidential chat.