Location: Croydon, Greater London
Reports To: Registered Manager / Deputy Manager
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Shift-based rota, including evenings, and 1 weekend per month
Job Purpose
The Children's Residential Home Team Leader is responsible for leading and supporting a team of Residential Support Workers to provide high-quality care for children and young people living in a residential setting. The post holder will promote a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment that supports children to achieve positive outcomes, develop independence, and reach their full potential.
The Team Leader will act as a role model, ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, care plans, and regulatory requirements while contributing to the effective day-to-day operation of the home.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
Lead, motivate, and support Residential Support Workers during shifts.
Allocate tasks and responsibilities to ensure effective service delivery.
Provide guidance, coaching, and support to staff members.
Assist with staff induction, training, and development.
Support the management team in maintaining staff performance and professional standards.
Lead shifts and ensure appropriate staffing levels and safe working practices are maintained.
Care and Support of Children and Young People
Build positive, trusting, and professional relationships with children and young people.
Ensure children receive high-quality care tailored to their individual needs.
Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, independence, and positive behaviour.
Support children with daily routines, education, appointments, health needs, and recreational activities.
Encourage participation in decision-making and support children's rights and wishes.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Safeguard children and young people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ensure all safeguarding concerns are reported and recorded promptly.
Monitor and implement safeguarding policies and procedures.
Participate in risk assessments and contribute to safeguarding strategies.
Act as a safeguarding role model for the staff team.
Care Planning and Documentation
Support the implementation and review of placement plans, care plans, and risk assessments.
Ensure accurate, timely, and professional record keeping.
Complete incident reports, daily logs, handovers, and monitoring documentation.
Contribute to statutory reviews, meetings, and reports as required.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection legislation.
Behaviour and Therapeutic Support
Implement behaviour support and therapeutic care plans.
Support staff in responding effectively to challenging behaviour.
Promote restorative and trauma-informed approaches to care.
Assist in reducing incidents through proactive intervention and positive relationship building.
Essential Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent recognised qualification).
Willingness to undertake Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management if not already achieved.
Essential Experience
Minimum of 2 years' experience working in a children's residential care setting.
Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs.
Experience leading shifts and supervising staff.
Experience of safeguarding children and managing incidents appropriately.
Essential Knowledge
Understanding of children's residential care legislation and regulations.
Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Understanding of trauma-informed and child-centred care practices.
Knowledge of behaviour management and risk assessment processes.
Desirable Criteria
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
Experience working with children who have experienced trauma, exploitation, or complex needs.
Full UK driving licence.
Experience supporting regulatory inspections and audits.
Salary and Benefits
Full time salary paying up to £34,500 per annum DOE & qualifications
Sleep-in payments and overtime opportunities available
Pension scheme
Ongoing training, to promote career opportunities.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Salary description
£34500.00 - £34500.00 per year