IT Support Specialist
IT support with real purpose. Work that matters.
Most IT support roles mean fixing laptops and closing tickets. This one means keeping the technology running for over 800 colleagues who support some of the most vulnerable children in the country.
As an IT Support Specialist at Silver Birch Care Holdings, you will be the frontline of everything technical from day‑to‑day helpdesk to owning our ClearCare care management system across a growing estate of over 60 children’s homes.
What You’ll Own
- Service Desk & First‑Line Support
- First point of contact for all IT support phone, email, chat and ticketing system.
- Log, categorise, prioritise and manage incidents to agreed SLAs.
- Triage and resolve remotely wherever possible; arrange on‑site attendance where needed.
- Escalate unresolved issues and track them through to resolution.
- Hardware, Software & Network Support
- Install, configure and maintain desktops, laptops, servers, mobile devices and peripherals.
- Deploy and configure Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365 and business applications across the estate.
- Set up and maintain network infrastructure routers, switches, Meraki firewalls, Starlink and CCTV.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software and connectivity issues with lasting root‑cause fixes.
- ClearCare System Administration
- Lead administrator for ClearCare children’s social care management system across all modules and homes.
- Manage user access, account creation and deactivation, templates and reporting tools.
- Train new and existing staff; produce home‑specific user guides and run refresher sessions.
- Document configurations, user procedures and training completion.
- Asset Management, Joiners & Leavers
- Maintain the asset register cradle‑to‑grave for every laptop, mobile, CCTV and Starlink unit.
- Provision kit, licences and accounts within 24 hours of HR notification for all joiners.
- Suspend accounts same‑day and recover kit within 7 days for all leavers.
- Subscription, Licence & Vendor Management
- Manage the full subscription portfolio Sona, Tribepad, Abacus, Claude, ClearCare, M365 and others.
- Liaise with vendors (Meraki, Starlink, BT, carriers) on performance, pricing and contracts.
- Maintain a renewal calendar 90 days forward; retire unused licences promptly.
- Procurement, Finance & Documentation
- Raise purchase orders and issue goods‑received notes within 48 hours.
- Reconcile invoices monthly against the asset register and subscription log.
- Maintain accurate knowledge‑base articles, user guides and incident records.
What We’re Looking For
Previous experience in an IT support, service desk or helpdesk environment, including 2nd‑line or specialist work.
Good working knowledge of Windows 10/11 and Microsoft 365, including M365 administration.
Sound understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP) and hardware troubleshooting.
Experience using IT ticketing and service‑management tools and managing work to SLAs.
Experience administering or supporting line‑of‑business systems ClearCare or similar care/social‑care systems is a strong advantage.
Asset‑management and vendor‑management discipline, comfortable reconciling across multiple suppliers.
Strong problem‑solving skills and excellent verbal and written communication.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment.
Full, clean UK driving licence and a calm, professional presence in sensitive care environments.
Desirable
Experience with remote‑support tools and MDM platforms.
Familiarity with ITIL processes; ITIL Foundation certification.
Experience with Meraki networking, WiFi, CCTV and Starlink infrastructure.
Working in a Care Environment
This role operates in and around children’s residential homes. You will be required to:
- Hold an Enhanced DBS check.
- Maintain high standards of confidentiality at all times.
- Demonstrate an awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Present as calm and professional around vulnerable young people and home staff.
These are not optional extras they are core to how we work.
What We Offer
Build Your Career
- Fully funded qualifications and clear pathways into Team Leader, Deputy and Registered Manager roles.
- Ongoing learning and development through structured programmes and hands‑on experience.
- Opportunities to step up, take on responsibility, and grow within the organisation.
Feel Supported
- 24/7 access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- OnDemand GP access.
- A strong team culture where people support each other day‑to‑day.
Work That Works for You
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with service.
- Celebrate your birthday.
- Wellbeing days to support staff when needed.
- Team‑based working patterns.
Be Part of Something Bigger
- Opportunities to get involved in our international projects, including trips to Tanzania supporting local communities.
- A values‑led organisation focused on making a genuine difference not just commercially, but socially.
The Essentials
- Pension with NEST.
- Access to discounts via Sage Employee Benefits and Blue Light Card.
- Employee referral bonus scheme.
- Long service recognition awards.
- On‑site parking (where available).
- Relaxed dress code.
Safeguarding
Silver Birch Care Holdings is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well‑being of children and young people. Appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with Ofsted regulations. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained.
