Hiring the right people makes your dom care or supported living business stronger.
But guess what?
The way you hire a care assistant isn’t the same way you hire a care manager or a business leader.
Many care businesses make one big mistake:
They use the same hiring method for every role and then wonder why they can’t find great people.
Let’s fix that.
Think of Hiring Like a Ladder
There are 4 levels of hiring. Each one needs a different strategy to work well.
Let’s walk through the Recruitment Ladder, designed just for care businesses.
Level 1: Care Assistants
These are the people who deliver amazing care to your clients every day.
- They help with washing, dressing, and medication
- They visit people’s homes or work in supported living settings
- You need a lot of them to run your business
Where to find them:
- Indeed
- Facebook job boards
- Local job centres
How to hire them:
- Write clear job ads that talk about pay, shifts, and flexibility
- Make it easy to apply (short forms or quick interest forms)
- Call applicants quickly and get them in fast
These carers are usually actively looking for work, so don’t delay, they’ll take another job if you wait too long.
🔧 Level 2: Care Coordinators or Team Leaders
These people are more experienced.
Where to find them:
- Local Facebook groups for care professionals
- Forums like Social Care UK
- Specialist care recruitment websites
How to hire them:
- Talk about training, career growth, and purpose
- Show your care company’s values
- Send direct messages to people already working in similar roles
These people might not be job hunting, but they’ll move for a better opportunity.
Level 3: Registered Managers or Senior Leaders
These are your key decision-makers.
Where to find them:
- Care industry networking events
- Direct outreach via email or message
- Referrals from people in your network
How to hire them:
- Reach out personally: “We’re growing and looking for someone like you. Would you be open to a chat?”
- Mention your company mission, growth plans, and support systems
- Offer development and bonuses if relevant
These leaders aren’t looking for jobs online, they have jobs. You need to go to them and offer something meaningful.
Level 4: Operations Directors, CEOs, or Regional Managers
This is the top of the ladder. These people don’t check the usual job boards.
Where to find them:
- Through executive search firms
- Professional care networks
- High-level recruitment consultants
How to hire them:
- Use a recruitment agency that specialises in care sector leadership
- Offer them a strategic role with influence and vision
- Speak in terms of growth, impact, and legacy
These candidates get approached by name. You need the right connections or help from specialist recruiters.
The Biggest Hiring Mistake Dom Care Businesses Make
Using Level 1 methods (like job boards) to hire Level 3 or 4 people
Or wasting time using headhunters to find care assistants
Each role needs the right approach or you’ll waste time, money, and energy.
Final Tip for Dom Care Recruitment Success
Before you hire, ask:
“What level is this role, and where do people like this usually look for work?”
Match your method to the level.
You’ll find better people, faster and build a stronger care business.