We are seeking an experienced and passionate Team Leader to help shape and deliver high-quality respite care for children and young people. This is an exciting opportunity for motivated professional who is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children while supporting and developing a dedicated staff team.
As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the service, ensuring that children receive safe, person-centred, and therapeutic care while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Service Delivery
- Lead and coordinate shifts, always ensuring the safe and effective running of the service.
- Act as a positive role model for staff, promoting high standards of care, professionalism, and practice.
- Support the Registered Manager in maintaining compliance with RQIA Minimum Standards, safeguarding requirements, and organisational policies.
- Assist with the supervision, mentoring, and development of Residential Social Care Workers and Relief Staff.
- Contribute to staff induction, training, performance management, and continuous professional development.
- Participate in the on-call rota as required.
Child-Centred Practice
- Create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children and young people can enjoy positive respite experiences.
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with children, promoting trust, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
- Ensure children receive person-centred support in line with their care plans, risk assessments, and individual needs.
- Promote independence, life skills, social inclusion, and participation in meaningful activities.
- Support children with emotional, behavioural, physical, and practical needs using a therapeutic and strengths-based approach.
- Respond effectively to incidents, safeguarding concerns, and challenging situations, ensuring children feel safe and supported.
Partnership Working
- Develop positive relationships with families, carers, social workers, health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Participate in reviews, planning meetings, and multidisciplinary discussions as required.
- Advocate for the needs, wishes, and rights of children and young people.
Administration & Compliance
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of care records, reports, incident documentation, and other required records.
- Monitor and maintain high standards of record keeping and information governance.
- Support audits, inspections, and quality assurance processes.
- Assist with rota management, resource allocation, and service planning where required.
Essential Criteria
· Degree-level qualification in a relevant field such as:
- Social Work/Youth Work/Psychology/Social Care/Education/Nursing/Allied Health Profession or another relevant discipline related to children and young people's services.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience working with children and young people in a residential, respite, social care, education, or health setting.
- Minimum of 1 years’ experience in a leadership, senior support, key worker, or supervisory capacity.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and children's rights in Northern Ireland.
- Understanding of person-centred practice and positive behaviour support approaches.
- Experience of care planning, risk assessment, and report writing.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support, and develop others.
- Competent IT and administrative skills.
- NISCC registration (or ability to register prior to commencement).
- Full UK Driving Licence with access to transport for work purposes.
Desirable Criteria
- Management or Leadership qualification (Level 5 or above).
- Training in therapeutic, trauma-informed, attachment-based, or Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches.
- Experience within a children's residential or respite care setting.
- Knowledge of RQIA regulations and Minimum Standards.
- Experience supporting children with disabilities, neurodiverse needs, or complex support requirements.
- Experience participating in inspections, audits, or quality improvement initiatives.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Holiday Pay.
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Leadership and management development support.
- Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of an innovative children's respite service.
- Supportive and values-driven working environment.
Multiple positions available.
Relief staff also required.
The closing date for applications is 14th August 2026.
Pay: From £37,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
