Salary: £32,597 - £36,363 up to £5,000 in enhancements This is a rare and beautiful opportunity. Durham County Council is opening a brand-new, purpose-designed long-stay Children’s Home in Aycliffe, created especially for children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex health needs. We’re looking for compassionate, driven leaders who are ready to take the next step in their residential care journey. If you’ve been a Residential Worker and feel called to lead with love, purpose, and ambition, this is your moment. About the Home This is the first home of its kind in Durham in years, a thoughtfully designed space where children with complex needs will live, grow, and thrive. Every detail has been created to support high-quality, person-centred care in a warm, nurturing environment. As a Team Leader, you’ll help shape the heart and soul of this home, leading with empathy, inspiring your team, and making every day count for the children in your care. The Role As a key member of the management team, you will: Lead and manage daily shifts, making confident, child-focused decisions Support and supervise Residential Workers, helping them grow into their best selves Deliver and model loving, respectful, and empowering care Champion the home’s vision and values, ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and supported Help children explore the world around them, build independence, and experience joy. Why This Role Matters A brand-new home - you’ll help shape its culture from day one A unique leadership opportunity for those ready to step up Up to £5,000 extra in enhancements Flexible shift patterns to support work-life balance A values-led culture built on Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and MindsetWho We’re Looking For Who We're Looking For We’re seeking experienced Residential Workers or current leaders who: Are ready to take the next step into a leadership role Have significant experience in residential childcare Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent as specified in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 Are emotionally resilient, reliable, and deeply committed to children’s wellbeing Can inspire, motivate, and support a team to deliver outstanding care Have excellent communication and report-writing skills What We Offer 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 5 years Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme Comprehensive training and development, including leadership qualifications Wellbeing and employee assistance programmes Discounts at major retailers, gyms, and more Staff-led networks and support groups Salary sacrifice schemes including car leasing Take a closer look at our Rewards and Benefits Don’t Miss This This is more than a promotion, it’s a chance to lead with love, build something new, and make a lasting impact on children’s lives. If you’re ready to grow, guide, and give your heart to a team and a home that truly matters, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help us build a home where love leads the way. Our offer to you You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. We offer competitive rewards and benefits to help you perform at your best, including: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 5 years' continuous local government service Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), with top-up options Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications and mentoring Employee Benefits Portal with discounts at major retailers Discounted gym membership Staff-led networks (Race Equality, LGBT, Carers, Armed Forces, Menopause) Trade Union membership Salary sacrifice schemes, such as car leasing You can contact us via Rob Hamer Rob.Hamer@durham.gov.uk if you would like any additional information on the post or have any queries. It is anticipated that interviews will be undertaken on 9 September 2025. In accordance with Durham County Council’s requirements, candidates must be a minimum of 22 years of age or above to apply. The successful applicant for this post will be required to apply for a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. How to Apply In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 2), or the Recruitment Team via email at RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk Removal and Lodgings Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility. We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL. VPRS/161