At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Residential Support Workers to support vulnerable young people.
- Company: Join East Sussex at Lansdowne Secure Children’s home, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy diverse benefits and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in young lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, self-motivated, with strong communication skills; experience with challenging youth preferred.
- Other info: Interviews held in person; flexible scheduling available.
This is an opportunity to make a real impact to the lives of young people who need it the most.
We’re looking for a Team Leader to spearhead our Residential Support Workers at Lansdowne Secure Children’s home. Lansdowne is a secure children’s home run by East Sussex which houses some of the most vulnerable young people aged between 10 to 17 from across the UK.
With a fantastic skilled team, plus a state-of-the-art nurturing environment the residents are offered all-round support. Each young person has a bespoke care plan to ensure support and agreed areas of work to meet their education and health needs.
You’ll be a visible leader who brings a presence to the home, planning residential support worker’s shifts, leading shifts on a day to day basis, ensuring that the children are kept engaged and that their emotional and physical wellbeing is being cared for. This is a challenging role as it involves you taking the lead in a constructive and proactive way to address the problematic behaviour presented by the children, so requires resilience and self-awareness.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Are organised
- Are self-motivated
- Has communication skills
- Ideally has experience working with challenging young people, understanding their complex needs and behaviours
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information.
Interviews will take place in person at Lansdowne Secure Unit. Interviews will take place within two weeks of closing date. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Sam Bennett, Deputy Service Manager – samuel.bennet@eastsussex.gov.uk
\’I really like the hands-on approach of support work and knowing that I’m making a difference.\’ – Kayleigh, Team Leader
For work that makes a difference
Team Leader employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by young people in secure settings. Understanding their complex needs and behaviours will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed challenging situations in the past. This will highlight your ability to be a visible leader and effectively manage shifts.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to current or former employees at Lansdowne Secure Children’s Home for insights about the role and the environment. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach and show genuine interest during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and career goals, especially regarding the support provided to vulnerable young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for in a Team Leader.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your Supporting Statement is crucial. Address how you meet each criterion in the person specification. Use specific examples from your work or life experience that demonstrate your skills in communication, organisation, and resilience.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly any work with challenging young people. Include any qualifications or training that relate to the role, as well as your ability to lead and support a team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and Supporting Statement. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your approach to motivating and engaging team members.
✨Understand the Needs of Vulnerable Young People
Familiarise yourself with the complex needs and behaviours of young people in care. Be prepared to discuss your experience working with challenging individuals and how you can apply that knowledge to support their emotional and physical wellbeing.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you value open dialogue.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Your Supporting Statement is key to getting shortlisted. Make sure it addresses all the criteria in the person specification. Use relevant work or life experiences to illustrate how you meet these requirements, and be specific about your achievements.