Job Description:

Post Title: Team Leader – Children’s Residential Care
Reports to: Deputy Manager / Registered Manager
Location: Ascot

Salary: £35,505 - £36,400
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week on a varied shift pattern (including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins); participation in the on-call rota required

Main Purpose of the Role

❖ To support the Deputy and Registered Manager in the day-to-day operational leadership of the home, ensuring a consistent and high standard of care.
❖ To lead shifts and supervise Residential Support Workers, supporting the delivery of person-centred, trauma-informed care to children and young people.
❖ To promote the safeguarding and well-being of children in line with the Children’s Homes’ values, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and other relevant legislation.
❖ To contribute to the creation of a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and educationally.
❖ To ensure robust communication, effective teamwork, and a positive ethos throughout the home.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Lead, coordinate, and supervise shifts, ensuring the home runs smoothly and in line with care plans, risk assessments, and policies.
• Support the Deputy and Registered Manager in overseeing daily routines and ensuring the home environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming.
• Provide direct support to children, promoting independence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
• Support the creation and review of individual care, risk, behaviour, and placement plans.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, including contributing to inductions, training, and performance feedback.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including incident reports, daily logs, and communication records.
• Promote safeguarding and ensure any concerns are reported and recorded in accordance with policy and LADO procedures.
• Liaise with social workers, therapists, education providers, and other professionals involved in the children’s care.
• Support the implementation of therapeutic strategies in collaboration with the in-house psychologist.
• Ensure medication is administered, recorded, and stored correctly, in line with procedures.
• Assist with rota planning, shift cover, and contribute to the home’s on-call system.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, complaints, and behavioural incidents.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
• Act as the responsible person in charge of the home during manager absences as required.

Special Requirements

• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
• Participation in on-call rota is required.
• Enhanced DBS check is mandatory.
• Occasional travel to other services or for training and professional meetings may be required.

Person Specification

A. Education, Training & Qualifications

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – Essential

Level 4 or 5 leadership qualification – Desirable

Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training – Desirable

Full UK Driving Licence – Preferred

B. Experience

Minimum 2 years’ experience in residential childcare

At least 1 year in a senior or shift-leading position

Experience working with children with emotional, behavioural, and trauma-related needs

Experience managing and responding to safeguarding concerns

C. Skills & Abilities

Strong leadership and team coordination skills

Effective communicator (written and verbal)

Ability to manage conflict and challenging behaviour

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Ability to model professional, child-centred practice

Confident in using IT systems and care recording platforms

D. Knowledge & Understanding

Working knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards

Good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures

Awareness of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches

Understanding of Health & Safety, medication protocols, confidentiality, and GDPR

Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice

MD18885

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