At Orchard Care Homes it’s all about quality.

Quality of the care we deliver, quality of our reputation and the quality of people who work for us (and with us). In practice this means that we aim to provide the highest standards for our residents, thus building an outstanding name within the care sector.  

The service we deliver is only made possible by our dedicated staff, volunteers and suppliers.  This is why we look to recruit team members who share our values and go the extra mile to deliver outstanding outcomes, no matter what their role.

We have built our reputation as a leader in the care sector by providing consistently good care in fantastic environments.  We set our own standards high and, as a prospective employee or volunteer, we expect you to help us to build on this success and to lead the way in making our homes comfortable and enjoyable places to live.

By choosing Orchard Care Homes you would be involved in a progressive and ambitious company with 27 care homes in the North of England. We currently employ over 1,350 members of staff who are responsible for approximately 1,500 residents and, with our growth plans, who knows what could happen in the future.

You should be aware that any role that involves regular contact with vulnerable adults is subject to a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check at enhanced level.  No check will be undertaken without your knowledge or before you are offered a position.       

It’s the attitude you can bring to Orchard Care Homes that we value, not necessarily your background in care - we recruit people with previous experience in the care sector, and those for whom a job in care represents a new beginning.

Whatever your level of experience we have a role for you, although we do recruit Care Assistants we also need Cooks/Chef’s, Assistant Cooks, Housekeepers, Laundry Assistants, Caretakers, Administrators, Activity Organisers, Deputy Managers, Registered Managers plus occasionally there are roles at Head Office in Leeds for our Finance, HR, Contact Centre, Compliance or Procurement teams .

We look out for people who share our vision, beliefs and values and can demonstrate a fantastic work ethic and willingness to learn.  Prospective employees will also need to show themselves as hard working and friendly with great communication skills. If that sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

To find out more about positions currently available please use the job search tool on this website. Our vacancies are updated regularly, so please check again if there isn’t a vacancy that’s right for you.  Or alternatively contact our HR Administrators directly at recruitment@orchardcarehomes.com.

In addition to permanent roles in our homes we also offer a Zero Hours (Bank) arrangement, under this agreement people are used on an ‘as and when’ basis and are not offered permanent hours.  Training is still offered and our Zero Hours (bank) workers are used to cover holidays, sickness, vacancies and training courses.  This arrangement may suit you if you would like to work as a Care Assistant or Housekeeper but cannot commit to a specific shift pattern.  If you would like to apply for a Zero Hours (bank) agreement you can also do this via the ‘apply now’ section of our website.  Please note that people applying for Zero Hours agreements are asked to pay the cost of the enhanced CRB check and associated administration up front, a cheque for £50 will be requested if you are successful in your application.    

We also welcome speculative applications, if we don’t have a vacancy that’s right for you then send an application to us and we will contact you if a suitable position becomes available.  Please don’t forget to tell us what exactly it is you want to do and in which geographical location otherwise we’ll never be able to match you to a job – we’re good but occasionally need just a nudge in the right direction!!

At Orchard Care Homes we passionately believe that all our staff should receive ongoing training relevant to their role and level of competence.  By providing you with comprehensive training we ensure a better quality of life for our residents and give you excellent prospects for career development.  We have a dedicated in-house training team; their role is to work with each Home Manager to ensure every team member receives an induction so that you feel comfortable and well prepared for your new role.  In addition they will provide you with ongoing training, coaching and mentoring appropriate to your role and ensure that you are competent to do your job.  

Your ongoing development is important to us and that’s why we offer our care and housekeeping staff the opportunity to study for Diplomas on the new Quality Credit Framework, after completion of at least three months service (conditions apply).

On the job support is provided by senior members of staff who are always available to provide guidance and advice should you need it. Whilst we usually run a set shift pattern, we also offer you the flexibility to pick up extra shifts when you need more work.

If you’re interested in career progression we can help with that too. If you have the right attributes the sky really is the limit!  With our excellent training program we provide you with all the support necessary to rise, many of our senior staff started as Housekeepers or Care Assistants with no previous experience, and thirty percent of our Registered Managers have been promoted from within the company.

We believe that working in the care industry is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. Every day you are responsible for the well-being of our residents. Most importantly you will see first hand the difference you make to our residents’ lives.

In all of our homes you will be part of a close knit team who work together. You will form close friendships with your colleagues and the work you do will be personally rewarding. There is a clear structure within each care home from the Home Manager down and there is always someone available should you need advice or help.

Testimonials

Cheryl – Registered Home Manager, Clipstone Hall & Lodge

After rejoining Orchard Care Homes in December 2004 as a Care Assistant working days, Cheryl soon gained promotion to Senior Carer.  Taking full advantage of the training and development opportunities available Cheryl was promoted again to Deputy Manager and then in October 2008 was appointed as the Registered Home Manager of York House, our 36 bed residential home in Dewsbury.  During 2010 Cheryl remained in this role but her skills were utilised recruiting and inducting new Managers in other homes across West Yorkshire.  Hungry for a new challenge Cheryl relocated to Mansfield in October 2010 to take over the Registered Managers role at our 90 bed dual registered home – Clipstone Hall & Lodge. 

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in care. I started working in care when I was 19 and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. It helped that I loved working at York House and Clipstone really has given me a completely new challenge, although it’s the residents who make my job worthwhile.

Since I joined Orchard in 2004 I’ve had all the training and support I need to succeed. Helen (the previous York House Manager who now manages our Manorcroft Nursing Home) was a fantastic teacher and was always there to support me.

Orchard gives you every tool to be where you want to be. It’s down to the individual to choose whether or not they want to be successful.  When I joined I had an NVQ level 2 in Health & Social care and Orchard organised and supported me through my NVQ level 3 and my Leadership & Management in Care Service (LMCS) Award.

Orchard is a good company to work for; they want to grow so there are career opportunities available. If you work for a company which only has two or three homes you have to wait ages for an opening.  But with Orchard I know that if I can demonstrate the right attitude and experience there will be opportunities for me – just look at me so far!”


Bev – Projects

Bev is presently seconded into a Project role but this probably won’t last long as inevitably her next Registered Home Manager role will be just around the corner. 

Bev joined Orchard in October 2005 initially as a Care Assistant working days on a typical full-time three shifts on, three shifts off pattern. She was promoted to Senior Carer in September 2006 before becoming Deputy Manager at York House in Dewsbury.  In September 2009 Bev was appointed as Unit Manager at Rastrick Hall near Huddersfield, a 40 bed residential home.

Following outstanding performance at Rastrick Hall Bev was successful in turning around the fortunes of a 96 bed dual registered home in Leeds and has most recently been care-take managing Norton Lees Hall & Lodge in Sheffield whilst a new Registered Home Manager is recruited and inducted. 

“Since I started I’ve really enjoyed my job because I get a lot of satisfaction from caring for the residents. The staff are all really friendly too and I still socialise with some of my old York House colleagues from way back.

Don’t think that you need a background in care to apply; I joined Orchard after ten years working in a shop because I wanted a career change. I didn’t have my heart set on working in care, but I saw an ad in the paper for Orchard and I decided to apply.

The training is really good. Orchard put me through my NVQ level 2 within 6 months of starting and after I was promoted to Senior Carer I did my NVQ level 3. I also completed my Leadership and Management in Care Service (LMCS) award as I knew early on that I wanted to run my own home.

It’s really easy to do training. When I wanted to do my Leadership and Management in Care Service award I came into the office and asked if I could do it, it was as easy as that! I’ve definitely been given all the training I need to succeed, it’s always been more than the minimum, and Orchard cover the costs!

I’ve always been supported by the manager and senior support staff and if I ever have a problem I know exactly who to go to for help and advice. In ten years time I’d like to be an Area Manager myself, or a trouble shooter, so that I can help improve other care homes.”

If you are wondering what it’s really like to work in care, a really good place to find out more information is through the Skills for Care website. They are an employer led authority on the training standards and development needs of nearly one million social care staff in England. They provide excellent information for people who are considering a career in care. For more information please use the link below:

http://careerpathways.skillsforcare.org.uk/what_is/what_is.html