Team Leader (Children & YP) in Canterbury

Location: Canterbury

Salary: £34,320 - per annum (including 1–2 sleep shifts per week)

Lead, Inspire and Make a Difference

Are you an experienced Team Leader looking for your next challenge, or a Senior Residential Support Worker ready to step into a leadership role? Do you have the passion, resilience and commitment to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people? Acorn Homes is seeking a dedicated and motivated Team Leader to join our Children's Home. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in leading a passionate team, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and helping young people overcome challenges to achieve positive outcomes. If you are ready to lead by example, inspire others and develop your career within a growing organisation that truly values its staff and young people, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Salary of £34,320 per annum
• Salary includes 1–2 sleep shifts per week
• Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
• Funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if required)
• Support towards Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Staff loyalty scheme including additional annual leave and monetary rewards
• Refer-a-friend scheme paying up to £2,000
• Birthday gift worth £40 each year
• Blue Light Card discounts
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Discretionary Travel Cost Scheme
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Excellent progression opportunities within a growing organisation

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support shifts within the home, ensuring high standards of care are consistently delivered.
• Act as a positive role model for children, young people and staff.
• Support, guide and mentor Residential Support Workers.
• Assist the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day running of the home.
• Ensure children and young people's care plans are implemented effectively.
• Promote positive outcomes and support young people to achieve their full potential.
• Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Manage challenging behaviour in a calm, consistent and therapeutic manner.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns are reported appropriately.
• Complete and oversee accurate records, reports and daily documentation.
• Support with staff inductions, training and development.
• Participate in team meetings, supervisions and training sessions.
• Support the home in achieving and maintaining compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted requirements.
• Work collaboratively with families, social workers and external professionals.

Essential Requirements

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People or equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards this qualification.
• Previous experience working within a Children's Residential Home.
• Experience supporting children and young people who display challenging behaviours.
• Ability to lead shifts and support other team members.
• Be prepared to work early, late and night shifts (including sleepovers) on a rota basis.
• Be over the age of 21 (Employer has claimed an exemption under the Equality Act 2010).

Desirable Requirements

• Previous experience in a Senior Residential Support Worker or Team Leader position.
• Working knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience of supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

About Acorn Homes

You will be joining a family-owned company whose owner is a patron of the NSPCC. Acorn has an enviable reputation with local authorities for delivering positive outcomes for young people and demonstrating resilience. Acorn currently operates eight registered homes, with further growth planned as the organisation continues to expand steadily, creating excellent opportunities for career progression and development. You will become a valued member of the team within the home, receiving full support from an active and engaged Deputy Manager, Registered Manager, Head Office and Senior Management Team. As part of our commitment to achieving the highest standards of care, Acorn Homes also benefits from the expertise of two senior leaders who are former Ofsted Senior Inspectors. Their knowledge and guidance help ensure our homes maintain exceptional standards of care, safeguarding, compliance and outcomes for children and young people. This provides staff with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the sector's most experienced professionals whilst developing their own skills and careers within children's residential care. We look forward to hearing from you.

Safeguarding Commitment

Acorn Group are committed to ensuring the safety of our young people is upheld at all times, therefore all positions require an enhanced disclosure and satisfactory references. As an employee of Acorn Group, it will be expected that you demonstrate the same commitment, by following our policies and procedures, as well as attending all mandatory training. Please note that, as part of our safer recruitment process, we may carry out online searches of publicly available information relating to shortlisted candidates. These checks will be limited to information relevant to assessing suitability for the role and our safeguarding responsibilities.