Team Leader - Children's Residential

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