Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a recruitment drive in the Midlands to support the expansion of its care services at various locations across region.

With plans to increase its care provision in the next 12 months, the company is seeking around 150 support workers for residential services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

Heathcotes is offering permanent roles in Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield, New Mills, Newark, Nottingham, Northampton, and Wellingborough. No care sector experience is necessary as new staff will be benefit from comprehensive training.

Heathcotes recruitment business partner, Emily Frost, said:

“The past year has put an immense strain on providers of social care, but Heathcotes are very proud of the response from our frontline teams – they have been incredibly impressive in rising to the challenge. We are gradually emerging from the pandemic with a renewed sense of positivity and we have resumed plans to expand.

“Attracting talented, dedicated people to our organisation is a vital part of those plans. Safety remains the primary concern in our sector, and Heathcotes continue to follow enhanced safety procedures, including testing three times a week, comprehensive PPE provision and robust risk assessment. Combined with the roll-out of the vaccination programme, these measures ensure that our colleagues can continue to do their vital work as safely as possible in a low-risk environment.”

Heathcotes has experienced a sharp rise in applications over the past 12 months. The company believes the surge in candidates has been driven by increasing job insecurity and changing perceptions of social care as a profession.

Emily said: “I think the impact of covid has given everyone a greater appreciation of the work we do in social care. That has inspired a new intake to our workforce, keen to make a difference in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We are also welcoming many applications from people working in severely affected sectors such as retail and hospitality.

“In social care, we can offer job security and the opportunity for long-term career progression – in these uncertain times, that is enormously valuable. Heathcotes fund all training and invest in the professional development of our colleagues – in the work we do, the most important starting qualification is a caring, compassionate nature and a desire to have a lasting positive impact on people’s lives.”

Heathcotes Group’s range of specialist services supports individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, Personality Disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy. With a head office in Chesterfield, the company offers full-time residential care services alongside supported living which enables service users to develop their independence in self-contained accommodation backed by 24-hour care support when needed.

Heathcotes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.