At Northern Healthcare, we know that people are at the heart of everything we do, and that starts with recruitment. Behind every new team member is a thoughtful, value-driven process led by our dedicated Recruitment Team. Whether it’s welcoming someone brand new to the mental health sector or helping an experienced professional find their next meaningful role, our Recruitment Team plays a vital part in shaping the future of our organisation.

Here, we take a closer look at how they support our services, continuously refine our candidate journey, and ensure that every new hire shares our PROUD values.

Can you tell us a bit about the Recruitment Team – who’s involved and what your day-to-day looks like?

"Currently, the team is made up of myself (Amanda Newton – Recruitment Manager) and Samantha Lakatosz (Recruitment Coordinator). Day to day, we’re responsible for managing all recruitment activity across Northern Healthcare. We work closely with service managers to support their individual hiring needs, from posting job adverts on our ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and screening candidates, to scheduling and conducting interviews and overseeing the onboarding process. We also handle salaried recruitment across the company, ensuring that every new hire, whether in frontline care or Central Office roles, is a great fit for our organisation.

We’re passionate about what we do, and even more passionate about the people we bring into the business. After all, it’s our people who make Northern Healthcare the exceptional place it is."

What’s your approach to finding the right people for roles in health and social care?

"Our approach is centred around finding people who not only have the right skills and experience but who genuinely align with our PROUD values. Working within the mental-health supported-living sector requires compassion, resilience, and professionalism, so we focus on identifying candidates who demonstrate those qualities from the outset.

During the interview and onboarding process, we look beyond technical ability to assess soft skills like empathy, communication, and the ability to build trust with vulnerable individuals. We also believe in creating a positive and honest candidate journey, so applicants feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Ultimately, it’s about building teams that are not only capable but genuinely committed to improving the lives of the people we support."

How do you ensure candidates are a good fit for Northern Healthcare’s values and culture?

"We place a strong emphasis on recruiting people who not only meet the role requirements but also reflect our core values – PROUD: Positive, Respectful, Open & Honest, Understanding and Dedicated. We want to see that a candidate genuinely cares about making a difference and has the right attitude to work in a person-centred, recovery-focused, mental health environment.

We find that transparency is key. We give candidates a clear and honest picture of what it’s like to work at Northern Healthcare so they can decide if it’s the right environment for them. When both sides are aligned from the start, we see stronger engagement, better retention, and ultimately better outcomes for the people we support."

What can applicants expect from the recruitment process at Northern Healthcare?

"Applicants can expect a supportive and transparent recruitment process at Northern Healthcare. From the moment of application, we aim to make their experience as smooth and informative as possible.

We also provide guidance on what is required as part of our pre-employment screening, as it is essential we follow the guidelines set out for employment in a regulated environment like health and social care. Above all, we want every applicant to feel respected, informed, and inspired, whether they’re successful or not. Our goal is to build teams that are confident, capable, and committed to delivering exceptional care."

What’s something you wish more applicants knew before applying?

"I wish the people who apply for roles within mental health and supported living understood just how important the right mindset and attitude is.

While qualifications and experience are important, what really sets someone apart is their ability to show empathy, resilience, and a genuine commitment to the people we support. I also wish more candidates knew how much we value honesty and openness during the recruitment process. We’re not looking for perfection, we’re looking for people who are passionate, willing to learn, and aligned with our values. If that’s you, we’ll support you every step of the way."

How do you support candidates who are new to the sector? 

"We understand that starting a career in health and social care can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in the mental health sector. We are committed to providing guidance, ongoing support, and a welcoming environment for those just starting out. From the moment someone applies, we take the time to explain the role, the expectations, and the PROUD values that drive our work at Northern Healthcare.

During the interview and onboarding process, we focus on transferable skills – like empathy, communication, and teamwork – rather than just experience. Once a candidate is successful, they’ll go through our induction programme which is delivered onsite and they will be booked into various mandatory training sessions designed to give them the mental health knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. They’ll also be supported by experienced colleagues and managers who understand what it’s like to be new and are always ready to help. Our goal is to set every new team member up for success so no matter their background, they can thrive and create a fulfilling career with us."

What’s most rewarding about your role?

"The most rewarding part of working in recruitment at Northern Healthcare is knowing that everything we do each day directly contributes to improving the lives of the people we support. There’s honestly no better feeling than that. The individuals we bring into the organisation go on to make a real difference, helping the people we support live more independently by being there for them during difficult times and celebrating their successes along the way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our work helps make those moments possible."

Can you share a recent success story or proud moment from the Recruitment Team?

"Last year, we launched our new careers page and Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which has significantly streamlined our application process. It’s now much more user-friendly and has given our Service Managers greater control in selecting candidates for interview at their individual services. The new system has been a great success and has received positive feedback from users across the business. It also provides us with valuable opportunities to generate detailed recruitment analytics, helping us better understand our performance and measure the return on investment (ROI) in our recruitment efforts."

What are you most excited about for the rest of this year?

"I’m really excited about our “Journey to Outstanding”- a key project we’re focusing on this year. Together with the wider People Team, we’re taking a deep look at all of our recruitment processes to make sure we’re delivering a truly first-class experience. Our goal is to position Northern Healthcare as an employer of choice, by strengthening our Employee Value Proposition (EVP), enhancing candidate experience, and putting staff well-being and the people we support at the heart of everything we do. It’s a big step forward, and one I’m proud to be a part of."

What’s your favourite part of working at Northern Healthcare? 

"It’s the people. From mental health support workers to mental health nurses, they support individuals through some of the most challenging times in their lives, and they do it with pride, compassion, and dedication. It’s inspiring to see the impact they make every day. Being part of that journey, even from a recruitment perspective, is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that the people we help bring into the organisation go on to make a real difference, it’s a fantastic feeling."

By listening, evolving, and putting people first, we’re proud to grow a workforce that reflects our values and brings out the best in each other. Whether you’re applying for your first role in supported living or looking for your next opportunity to make an impact, we’re here to help you take that next step. Click here to discover our latest opportunities.