Team leader

Children's Residential Team Leader

Reports To Registered Manager / Deputy Manager

Salary £34,000 - £42,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Location Sittingbourne

This is a full time position working on a rota pattern (Please note, we do not offer sponsorship)

Job Purpose

The Children's Residential Team Leader is responsible for providing high-quality care, support, and guidance to children and young people living in a residential care setting. The role involves leading shifts, supervising staff, promoting safeguarding and welfare, and ensuring that children receive care that supports their emotional, social, educational, and physical development. The Team Leader acts as a positive role model and helps create a safe, nurturing, and stable home environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Lead and coordinate residential care staff during shifts.
• Delegate tasks and ensure effective team performance.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to residential support workers.
• Assist with staff induction, training, and development.
• Promote a positive team culture that reflects the organisation's values and standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, and performance reviews.

Care and Support of Children

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Ensure individual care plans, placement plans, and risk assessments are implemented effectively.
• Support children in developing life skills, independence, confidence, and resilience.
• Encourage participation in education, training, recreational activities, and community engagement.
• Promote children's rights, choices, and participation in decision-making.
• Support children through challenging behaviours using therapeutic and person-centred approaches.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Ensure the safety and welfare of children at all times.
• Follow safeguarding policies, procedures, and statutory guidance.
• Recognise, record, and report any safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality.
• Contribute to risk management and ensure safe working practices.

Operational Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and ensure smooth day-to-day running of the home.
• Complete and oversee accurate records, reports, and documentation.
• Administer, monitor, and record medication in accordance with policy and legislation.
• Manage incidents, accidents, and emergencies appropriately.
• Support the management team in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and inspection requirements.
• Participate in on-call duties where required.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with families, social workers, schools, healthcare professionals, and other agencies.
• Attend reviews, meetings, and appointments as required.
• Advocate for the needs and best interests of children and young people.
• Maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders to support effective care planning.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• At least 2 years experience working with children and young people in a residential care setting.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and inspection standards.
• Experience of leading shifts or supervising staff.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and residential childcare regulations.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Commitment to promoting positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or willingness to achieve within required timescales.

This role requires a commitment to providing compassionate, child-centred care while leading a team that promotes the well being, development, and safety of children and young people in residential care.