Team Leader – Children's Residential Care Home
Location: Harrow (In-person)
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: £14.50
About Us:
At Caring Hearts Homes, we provide a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment for children and young people facing emotional and behavioural challenges. We are now looking for a Team Leader to join our team someone with a passion for child-centred care and the ability to lead by example.
Job Summary:
As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the residential home, leading a team of support workers, and ensuring high-quality care for children and young people. You will be responsible for ensuring all children's needs are met, promoting positive behaviour, safeguarding, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. You will also actively participate in care delivery while supervising, guiding, and mentoring your team.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management:
* Supervise and lead a team of support workers on shift, ensuring consistent and effective care is provided.
* Act as the senior point of contact during your shift, making decisions in the absence of the manager or deputy.
* Support with induction, mentoring, and ongoing development of new and existing staff.
* Oversee shift planning, handovers, and daily routines.
* Ensure staff follow care plans, safeguarding protocols, and health & safety standards.
* Support the Registered Manager, reports, and compliance monitoring.
* Contribute to staff performance reviews and identify training needs.
Child-Centred Care:
* Provide high-quality care to children, ensuring their physical, emotional, educational, and social needs are met.
* Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with children.
* Assist with routines such as personal care, mealtimes, school support, and activities.
* Encourage participation in recreational and social activities.
* Actively listen to children, advocate for their views, and support their development goals.
Behaviour Management & Emotional Support:
* Implement and monitor individual behaviour management plans.
* Support children in managing emotions and trauma-related behaviours.
* Model and promote positive behaviour support techniques across the staff team.
* Address incidents in a calm, consistent, and therapeutic manner.
* Provide emotional stability during crises or challenging situations.
Safeguarding & Safety:
* Ensure all safeguarding procedures are adhered to and report any concerns appropriately.
* Monitor the wellbeing of each child and take action when risks are identified.
* Maintain accurate and timely records of incidents, disclosures, or concerns.
* Promote a culture of safeguarding across the home and lead by example.
Documentation & Communication:
* Ensure accurate record keeping and reporting, including daily logs, incident forms, and child progress notes.
* Participate in multi-agency meetings, reviews, and strategy discussions as required.
* Liaise with external professionals (e.g. social workers, health services, education providers).
* Contribute to the development and review of care plans and risk assessments.
Health, Safety & Environment:
* Ensure the physical environment is clean, safe, and homely.
* Ensure health and safety compliance during your shift, reporting any hazards or issues.
* Support medication administration (if trained) and monitor any health concerns.
Key Requirements:
Essential Qualifications:
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent – mandatory).
* Level 2 in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) or related field.
* Willingness to complete further training (e.g. Level 5 Leadership & Management desirable).
* Completed training in safeguarding, first aid, and behaviour management.
Experience:
* Minimum 3 year experience working in a children's residential care setting.
* Experience leading shifts or mentoring staff is desirable.
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development, and trauma-informed care.
Skills & Attributes:
* Confident, calm, and approachable leadership style.
* Ability to manage challenging behaviour and support complex emotional needs.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Excellent record-keeping and attention to detail.
* High emotional resilience and professional boundaries.
* Able to work flexibly including weekends, nights, and public holidays.
Benefits:
* Competitive hourly pay
* Paid annual leave
* Comprehensive training & development
* Opportunities for career progression
* Employee referral programme
Shift Patterns:
* 12-hour shifts (8am–8pm or 8pm–8am)
* Rotating schedule including weekdays, weekends, and bank holidays
Location:
Harrow – must be able to reliably commute or plan relocation prior to starting work.
Join us and help shape the lives of children and young people in a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £14.00-£14.50 per hour
Work Location: In person