Head of Care

The Head of Care sits at the heart of the care home's operations, working closely with the Home Manager to ensure residents receive consistently high standards of care and support. It is a senior role that combines clinical and operational leadership with people management, providing direction, support and development to the care team while helping to create a safe, welcoming and homely environment for residents. As a key leader within the home, the Head of Care works closely with residents, their families, care staff and external healthcare professionals to ensure effective communication, strong relationships and continuity of care. The role requires a visible, compassionate and hands-on approach, with a strong focus on maintaining quality, promoting best practice and supporting the team to deliver excellent outcomes for residents. Purpose of the Role The purpose of the Head of Care role is to lead and oversee the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care across the home, ensuring every resident's physical, emotional and social wellbeing needs are met with dignity, compassion and respect. The Head of Care is responsible for ensuring care is delivered safely, effectively and in line with regulatory, statutory and safeguarding requirements, including CQC standards. This includes providing clinical and operational leadership to the care team, overseeing care planning and delivery, responding to residents' changing needs and driving continuous improvement in standards. The role also plays a key part in developing a skilled, motivated and compassionate care team through effective leadership, mentoring, supervision and support. Ultimately, the Head of Care is responsible for ensuring every resident receives care that promotes their independence, dignity, wellbeing and quality of life, while reflecting the values and ethos of the home. Reports to: Care Home Manager Key duties and responsibilities Leadership and Team Management

• Provide strong leadership, direction and day to day supervision of the care team
• Cover care shortfalls as required to maintain resident safety
• Interview, recruit and induct new care staff
• Conduct regular staff supervisions, appraisals and performance reviews
• Take an active role in staff meetings, training and development
• Take an active role in disciplinary processes and manage poor performance effectively
• Meet with care staff monthly and produce accurate minutes
Care Planning and Resident Wellbeing
• Formulate and maintain residents' social and health care plans, reviewing them at least monthly or sooner if needs change
• Attend and contribute to residents' social and care reviews
• Promote person centred, dignified care that supports residents' independence and quality of life
• Monitor residents' health and wellbeing, escalating concerns to GPs, district nurses or other healthcare professionals as needed
Compliance, Safety and Quality
• Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently followed
• Ensure residents and staff are kept safe through compliance with health and safety legislation
• Maintain accurate records, logbooks and documentation as required by the company and CQC
• Complete regular medication audits and address any issues promptly
• Support the Home Manager in preparing for and managing CQC inspections
• Carry out regular quality checks on care delivery and take corrective action where standards slip
Relationships and Communication
• Build strong, trusting relationships with relatives, residents and outside agencies
• Deal effectively and professionally with complaints, resolving them in a timely manner
• Liaise closely with the Activities Coordinator, supporting a varied and engaging activities programme
• Act as a visible, approachable point of contact for families and staff
  
  Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Confident handling difficult conversations and resolving complaints
• Good organisational and time management skills, able to manage competing priorities
• Sound knowledge of care planning and person-centred care
• Clinical knowledge, including medication management and audits
• Understanding of health and safety legislation and safeguarding procedures
• Knowledge of CQC standards and regulatory compliance
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team
• Confidence in staff recruitment, supervision, appraisal and disciplinary processes
• IT literate, able to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure
• Empathy, patience and a genuine commitment to resident dignity and wellbeing
• Flexibility, including willingness to cover shifts and respond to changing needs
Education and qualification - NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care as a minimum, Level 5 desirable
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or working towards) desirable
• Relevant nursing qualification (RGN/RMN) an advantage, though not always essential
• First Aid certification
• Moving and handling training
• Medication administration training
• Safeguarding training
• Previous experience in a senior care role within a care home setting
• Good general education, including literacy and numeracy sufficient for care planning and record keeping