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