Job Description:

NovaStars Group is a growing, values-led care provider supporting young people and adults aged 17+ with mental health needs, learning disabilities and/or autism in residential settings. Our services are registered with the Care Quality Commission and are built around person-centred, strengths-based practice.

We are committed to enabling people to live meaningful, independent and fulfilling lives within their local communities. Our approach is proactive, therapeutic and preventative, with a strong focus on Positive Behaviour Support, risk reduction and promoting wellbeing.

Our Values

We expect all staff to work in line with our core values, reflecting the CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs):

• Person-centred care – people are at the heart of every decision.
• Proactive and preventative support – reducing risk and avoiding crisis.
• Dignity, respect and inclusion.
• Partnership working with families, professionals and the wider community.
• Continuous improvement and learning.

Role Purpose

The Residential Team Leader plays a key role in leading and delivering safe, effective, responsive and well-led support in line with CQC regulations. You will support residents with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and/or autism to develop independence, life skills, emotional wellbeing and positive outcomes.

As a Residential Team Leader, you will work proactively to reduce risks, promote positive behaviour, support residents to achieve personalised outcomes and ensure high-quality care records are maintained using Nourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead shifts effectively, directing and supporting colleagues to provide safe, high-quality care.
• Provide day-to-day support in line with individual care plans, risk assessments and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans.
• Promote independence, choice, control and inclusion in daily living.
• Support residents with personal care where required, maintaining dignity and respect.
• Encourage access to education, employment, training, leisure and community activities.
• Use proactive strategies to prevent distress, reduce risk and promote emotional regulation.
• Respond calmly to incidents, behaviours of concern and crisis situations, following agreed de-escalation techniques and restrictive practice guidance where applicable.
• Maintain accurate, timely and outcome-focused records using Nourish, including daily notes, incident reports and health updates.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

The Residential Team Leader will support the safe running of the service by recognising, responding to and reporting safeguarding concerns in line with organisational and local authority procedures.

You will also support health and safety checks, environmental audits, risk assessments and safe lone-working practices, while promoting openness, whistleblowing and professional curiosity.

Recording & Compliance

Contribute to reviews of care plans, risk assessments and outcome measures, and support managers with audits, service reviews and quality assurance activities.

Understand and apply the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and best-interest decision-making.

Teamwork & Service Development

As a Residential Team Leader, you will act as a positive role model and help develop a supportive, professional and effective team environment.

You will build positive relationships with residents, colleagues, families and external professionals, participate in shift handovers and support effective communication across the service. Where required, you will take responsibility for leading shifts and supporting the wider management team.

Essential Criteria

• Aged 18 years or over.
• QCF (NVQ) Level 4 in Health and Social Care – required.
• Six months' experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex needs – preferred.
• Driving licence – preferred.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, Positive Behaviour Support, professional boundaries and managing behaviours of concern.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to remain calm and responsive during challenging situations.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• Care Certificate.
• Experience working in CQC-registered residential services.
• Understanding of Outcome Stars, life-skills frameworks or similar outcome tools.
• Experience working with children and young people, transitional services or holding a Certificate of Higher Education.

Training & Development

You will receive a comprehensive induction programme and undertake mandatory training, including safeguarding, PBS, MCA, health and safety, and autism awareness.

You will also be supported with supervision, appraisal and continuous professional development, including opportunities to enrol and work towards relevant Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.

Please be advised that we do not offer visa sponsorship and cannot take on applicants with 20-hour restrictions, as we need staff who are able to commit to a shift pattern.

Benefits

• Casual dress.
• Employee discount.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• On-site parking.