Role Purpose
The Team Leader supports the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in ensuring the delivery of therapeutic, high-quality residential care for children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). Sitting between the Senior Support Worker and Deputy Manager roles, the Team Leader provides day-to-day supervision, guidance, and leadership to staff while promoting a safe, nurturing, and positive home environment. You will deputise for management when required, lead by example in direct care, and ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations, the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and Quality Standards.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Deputy Responsibilities
- Assist in overseeing the daily running of the home, deputising in the absence of the Deputy Manager or Registered Manager.
- Supervise, mentor, and support Residential Support Workers, ensuring daily duties are carried out effectively.
- Coordinate staff rotas and shift allocation to maintain safe staffing levels.
- Assist with recruitment, induction, training, supervisions, and performance reviews of staff.
- Promote a reflective, positive team culture that values accountability, consistency, and professional growth.
Therapeutic & Direct Care
- Work directly with children and young people, supporting them with personal care, education, health needs, and recreational activities.
- Implement and monitor behaviour management strategies, therapeutic interventions, and risk assessments.
- Act as a key worker for assigned young people, developing strong relationships and contributing to reviews and care planning.
- Support young people in building independence, life skills, and resilience in line with their individual care plans.
Safeguarding, Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Safeguard children and young people at all times, acting promptly and appropriately to any concerns.
- Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements.
- Maintain accurate records, including care plans, logs, incident reports, and audits.
- Ensure the home is well-prepared for inspections, audits, and external regulatory visits.
- Monitor health, safety, and hygiene within the home, including medication administration, risk management, and household tasks.
Administrative & Operational Duties
- Assist with financial responsibilities, including managing young people’s money and home resources.
- Contribute to internal policy development and service improvement plans.
- Participate in the on-call rota and respond effectively to emergencies.
- Ensure the home is "inspection ready" at all times, supporting continuous improvement and high-quality standards.
Relationships & External Liaison
- Build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, social workers, schools, therapists, and other professionals.
- Represent the home at reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency forums.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care and team practice.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- At least 2 years’ experience in a children’s residential setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development, trauma-informed practice, and behaviour support.
- Proven supervisory or leadership experience within residential childcare.
Desirable:
- Level 4/5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards).
- Experience in a Deputy Manager or Team Leader role.
- Knowledge of Ofsted inspections and regulatory processes.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate and support staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Empathy, patience, and resilience, with a child-centred approach.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and make effective decisions.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and high standards of care.
Pay: £24,420.00-£52,050.07 per year
Work Location: In person
