Job Title: Team Leader – Children’s Residential Care
Salary: £15.50 – £16.00 per hour (dependent on experience)
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Team Leader to support the delivery of high-quality care within a children’s residential setting. This role is central to ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of children and young people, while leading and supporting a team of residential practitioners.
You will play a key role in creating a nurturing, structured environment where young people feel safe, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality, child-centred care tailored to individual needs
* Support children in understanding and managing past experiences, emotions, and behaviours
* Act as an advocate for children and represent their needs in meetings and reviews
* Lead shifts and provide guidance to staff in managing challenging behaviours and safeguarding situations
* Work directly with young people using therapeutic approaches and models
* Maintain accurate records, reports, and care documentation
* Support education, health, and social development of young people
* Build and maintain positive relationships with families, professionals, and external agencies
* Attend care planning meetings, reviews, and strategy discussions
* Take responsibility as a keyworker, ensuring care plans and risk assessments are implemented and reviewed
* Ensure the home meets regulatory and legislative requirements
* Contribute to audits, inspections, and quality assurance processes
* Provide supervision, mentoring, and appraisal support to staff
* Support training, development, and onboarding of new team members
* Promote a safe, clean, and homely environment
Requirements
Experience & Qualifications:
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
* Experience working in a children’s residential setting
* Experience supervising or supporting staff development
* Experience working in challenging, fast-paced environments
* Knowledge of risk assessment and safeguarding practices
Skills & Knowledge:
* Strong understanding of UK childcare legislation (e.g. Children Act 1989, Care Standards Act 2000)
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Leadership and team management ability
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
* Understanding of childhood trauma and its impact
* IT literacy and experience with care recording systems
* Full UK driving licence
Additional Information
* Flexible working required, including sleep-ins, weekends, and bank holidays
* Opportunity to participate in trips and holidays with young people
* May be required to support other homes within the organisation