TEAM LEADER - CHILDREN RESIDENTAL

TEAM LEADER - CHILDREN'S RESIDENTIAL HOME

1. Position Details

Service: Children's Home
Location: Merstham, Surrey
Job Title: Team Leader
Grade: 7.3 - 8.2
Progression: Advancement to Level 8.0+ is available subject to satisfactory performance appraisal and/or successful completion of advanced training.
Responsible To: Registered Manager

Main Purpose of the Role

The Team Leader will support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in the effective day‑to‑day management of the children's home, providing leadership, supervision and guidance to the residential childcare team.

The postholder will oversee delegated areas of the home's daily operations and lead shifts to ensure children and young people receive safe, consistent, and high‑quality care.

This role is pivotal in care planning, key‑working, and direct engagement with children and young people who may have complex needs resulting from trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or emotional, behavioural, or psychological challenges.

The successful candidate will champion positive outcomes for young people while ensuring safeguarding, therapeutic care, and exemplary standards of practise are upheld at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager in the efficient running of the home.
• Deputise for the Deputy Manager as required.
• Provide strong leadership, direction, and support to the residential childcare team.
• Supervise, induct, support, and develop staff in line with organisational policies.
• Allocate duties effectively to ensure smooth operation of each shift.
• Lead shifts to guarantee delivery of safe, consistent, and high‑quality care.
• Foster positive working relationships, teamwork, and clear communication.
• Ensure staff comply with relevant legislation, safeguarding protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the management on‑call rota and provide support outside of normal hours when necessary.

Staffing and Rotas

• Assist in managing the staff rota.
• Arrange appropriate staffing cover during emergencies, weekends, and out‑of‑hours periods.
• Ensure staffing levels meet the home's needs and remain within budget.
• Participate in the flexible working rota.
• Undertake sleeping‑in duties as required.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Take an active role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ensure all practise aligns with safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and organisational procedures.
• Promote positive outcomes for young people in areas including:
  • Physical and mental health
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Social development
  • Independence
  • Transition to adulthood
• Identify, report, and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure risks are identified, recorded, and managed effectively.
• Contribute to the completion and review of risk assessments and management plans.

Incident Management

• Lead the management of incidents during shifts.
• Provide support and guidance to staff when handling incidents or challenging situations.
• Liaise with the Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, and relevant external agencies as necessary.
• Collaborate with agencies such as the police and Emergency Duty Service when appropriate.
• Ensure incidents are accurately recorded, reported, and followed up.
• Support staff in applying effective de‑escalation and risk manage