Job title: Female Children’s Complex Care Team Leader
Location: St John’s Wood, London and local community
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week + 5 hours per month admin
Pay: £22.80 (weekday), £24.80 (weekend), £32.20 (bank holidays)
Shift pattern
You’ll work flexibly across the rota, including a 15‑minute handover in each shift:
Term time
- 6:00–10:00
- 14:30–22:00
- 22:00–10:00
Weekends and school holidays
- 8:00–20:00 (day shifts)
- 20:00–8:00 (waking night shifts)
You won’t work all of these shifts every week, but you need to be able to cover across them in line with the rota and service needs.
About the role
We are looking for a female Team Leader to join a small, stable care team supporting a bright, funny and affectionate 7‑year‑old boy with complex needs at home and in the community. He has autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual impairment and a significant learning disability, and requires 2:1 support.
He loves movement, sensory experiences, music and outdoor play, and thrives with predictable routines and attuned, playful adults. You’ll combine hands‑on care with clear leadership of the care team, rota management and close liaison with his family and Case Manager.
Key responsibilities
- Provide direct support at home and in the community (play, sensory activities, personal care, outings).
- Support communication using agreed strategies (body language, vocalisations, AAC and symbols).
- Use a calm, low‑arousal approach to help him manage transitions, changes and sensory overload.
- Lead the team on shift, ensuring safe 2:1 staffing and a consistent, child‑centred approach.
- Lead on planning and coordinating rotas, annual leave and day‑to‑day cover, escalating any gaps or risks appropriately.
- Lead induction, supervision and day‑to‑day guidance for support workers, promoting a positive, professional team culture.
- Follow moving and handling plans and use specialist equipment safely.
- Administer and record medication once trained (including epilepsy management).
- Keep clear, accurate records for each shift.
Essential criteria
- Right to work in the UK with no sponsorship and no restrictions on hours (we cannot offer visa sponsorship or limited‑hours roles).
- Non‑smoker and non‑vaper due to the child’s sensitivities and health needs.
- Full UK driving licence and able to drive as part of the role.
- At least two years’ experience with children/young people with complex needs in home/community settings, including behaviours that challenge.
- Experience in a Team Leader / Senior Support Worker / Senior HCA or similar supervisory role.
- Experience with at least one of: autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, visual impairment or significant learning disability.
- Within roughly one hour’s travel of St John’s Wood and able to work early mornings, evenings and waking nights in line with the shift pattern.
Desirable
- Knowledge of AAC, sensory regulation and low‑arousal approaches.
- Further experience across multiple complex‑needs areas.
Pre‑employment checks
- Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, mandatory training and role‑specific competencies.
Occupational requirement
Due to the nature of personal care and the family’s wishes, there is an occupational requirement for this post to be filled by a female worker, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9.
How to apply
Please apply directly via Indeed with an up‑to‑date CV and a brief cover note explaining your leadership experience, complex care background and why this role appeals to you.
Job Location
St John's Wood
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £22.80-£32.20 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience in a Team Leader, Senior Support Worker, Senior Healthcare Assistant (HCA), or a similar supervisory role?
- Do you live within approximately one hour of St John’s Wood, London?
Experience:
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
