Residential Childcare Team Leader
Learning Disability & Autism
Langwith – Derbyshire
Full Time – Permanent
Purpose of the Role
To lead by example in providing consistent, nurturing, and high-quality care for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties including learning disabilities, autism, and other complex needs. The Team Leader supports the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager by taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of shifts, offering guidance and support to Childcare Practitioners, and upholding the home's exceptional care standards in line with regulatory requirements. In addition to your leadership duties, you are also expected to carry out all the responsibilities of a Childcare Practitioner, actively participating in the daily care, support, and routines of the children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Shift Management
* Lead, motivate, and support staff during shifts to ensure consistent, child-centred care is delivered.
* Act as a positive role model at all times, demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and high standards of practice.
* Delegate tasks effectively and ensure team members understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
* Provide on-shift supervision, mentoring, and informal guidance to Childcare Practitioners.
* Ensure that shift handovers are thorough and that all relevant information is accurately communicated.
Child-Centred Practice
* Build strong, trusting relationships with children and act as a positive role model.
* Ensure care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies are followed consistently.
* Support therapeutic approaches and ensure children's emotional and physical wellbeing is prioritised.
* Take lead responsibility for key documentation, planning and reviews.
Safeguarding and Compliance
* Promote a safeguarding-first culture and ensure staff follow all safeguarding procedures.
* Identify and respond to risks or concerns swiftly and escalate appropriately.
* Complete incident reports, debriefs, and notifications in line with Regulation 40 and company policies.
* Support health and safety checks, medication audits, and home inspections as required.
Record Keeping and Administration
* Ensure accurate completion of daily logs, safeguarding records, risk assessments, and care planning documents.
* Monitor the quality and consistency of recordings made by staff and support improvements where needed.
* Support effective communication between the care team, management, professionals and families.
Professional Development and Training
* Take responsibility for maintaining your own professional development by engaging in regular training, supervision, and reflective practice.
* Complete all mandatory training and additional development identified in supervision or performance reviews.
* Support the development of Childcare Practitioners by providing coaching, mentoring, and feedback on shift.
* Contribute to the home's learning culture by modelling curiosity, self-awareness, and professional growth.
Person Specification
Essential
* Experience working in a children's residential care setting.
* Proven ability to lead a team during a shift and respond confidently to incidents or challenges.
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and person-centred care planning.
* High levels of emotional resilience, organisation and reflective practice.
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Desirable
* Experience working with children who have learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.
* Familiarity with The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, SCCIF, and Ofsted inspection framework.
* Training in therapeutic approaches such as PACE, attachment theory or trauma-informed care.
Safeguarding Statement
Soteria Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff must uphold this commitment and will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive pre-employment checks in line with the safer recruitment guidelines.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person