Job Description

Main purpose of the role:

The Team Leader plays a vital role in providing safe, nurturing, and child-centred care to children and young people living within our residential homes, while leading and supporting a team of Residential Support Workers.

Working alongside the Deputy and Registered Manager, you will guide the team to meet the complex needs of children, helping them develop resilience, build positive relationships, and achieve their individual potential. Every interaction is an opportunity to provide stability, encouragement, and positive role modelling, both for children and staff.

This is a rewarding but responsible role that requires emotional resilience, compassion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children.

We welcome applications from experienced practitioners who demonstrate leadership potential, as well as those stepping into a Team Leader role who share our values and commitment to high-quality care.

This role is suited to individuals who are committed to leading a team with integrity, supporting children s growth, and achieving positive outcomes for the children in our care.

Our Values and Ways of Working

We expect our Team Leaders to act professionally, respectfully, and with integrity at all times, taking responsibility for their practice while supporting colleagues to succeed.

Our leaders are approachable, reflective, and take pride in how they represent themselves, the organisation, and the children in their care.

We value dependable individuals who bring consistency, positivity, and accountability to their role. We encourage curiosity, learning, and professional growth, recognising that confident, well-supported teams create safer environments for children.

We work collaboratively, valuing different perspectives and communicating openly. Trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to children underpin everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, motivate, and support Residential Support Workers, providing guidance and supervision

Conduct regular supervisions and performance reviews, supporting professional development

Model professional, reflective, and consistent practice for the team

Assist with recruitment, induction, and training of new staff

Support the Deputy and Registered Manager in planning staff rotas to meet children s care needs

Care & Support

Deliver high-quality, child-centred care alongside the team

Support children in daily routines, education, activities, and life skills development

Build trusting relationships with children and celebrate their achievements

Contribute to a warm, welcoming, and nurturing home environment

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

Promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture

Ensure care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour strategies are followed consistently

Provide guidance to staff on managing challenging behaviour and de-escalation techniques

Maintain accurate and timely records, and contribute to care planning and review processes

Partnership & Development

Develop positive relationships with families, social workers, and other professionals

Support children in maintaining meaningful relationships where appropriate

Undertake mandatory and ongoing professional development, and support staff to do the same

Other Duties

Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice

Undertake additional duties as required to support the safe and effective running of the home

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent
• Enhanced DBS check valid for working with children and young people

Desirable

• Level 5 leadership/management qualification in residential childcare
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff
• Full driving licence

Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Genuine motivation to work with children and make a positive difference
• Ability to lead, supervise, and motivate a team while maintaining professional boundaries
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Willingness to learn, develop professionally, and support staff development
• Ability to work flexibly, including shifts, weekends, and sleep-ins
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Values-driven with a professional and respectful approach

Desirable

• Experience working within a regulated residential care environment
• Experience supporting children with complex needs or challenging behaviours

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and young people
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and child protection procedures

Desirable

• Knowledge of behaviour management strategies and risk assessment
• Understanding of staff supervision, coaching, and performance management

Living Our Values

• Demonstrates professional, respectful, and accountable behaviour
• Acts with integrity and consistency, even in challenging situations and works collaboratively with others
• Shows compassion, patience, and commitment to supporting children
• Takes responsibility for their development and contributes positively to team culture