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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to provide exceptional care for children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join New Forest Care, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive training, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 3 Diploma required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, on-site meals, and a supportive team culture await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description – Team Leader (Residential Childcare)
Reports to: Registered Manager / Responsible Individual
Hours: 51 per week (including evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and sleep-ins)
Job Purpose
We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic leader who can motivate and support adults in their role, while ensuring children receive the highest quality care. You will lead a team of Support Workers to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people, acting as a consistent and positive role model in their lives. Children in our care may present with challenging behaviours linked to early life trauma, ADHD, autism and emotional/behavioural difficulties. Using a therapeutic approach (DDP & PACE), you will ensure care plans are followed, safeguarding requirements are met, and positive outcomes are achieved. This is a supernumerary role where you will lead, guide and develop staff teams; however, you may also be required to cover direct shift duties when necessary to support the needs of the home and children.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and motivate Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care and professional practice.
- Complete daily staffing allocations and ensure effective shift cover.
- Provide senior cover, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins, responding to crises as needed.
- Mentor and develop staff, supporting their training and performance.
- Promote the ethos and values of New Forest Care (Children First, Dignity, Teamwork, Fairness, Excellence, Sustainability).
- Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and Ofsted requirements.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with children, supporting their behaviour, wellbeing and independence.
Person Specification
- At least 1 year’s experience in a residential childcare setting.
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Confident in managing challenging behaviours.
- Flexible to work a residential care rota (including evenings, weekends, holidays, sleep-ins).
- Full valid UK driving licence.
- Compassionate, resilient and committed to being a positive role model.
We can offer you:
- Competitive salary
- High staff-to-child ratios and no agency staff
- Comprehensive induction training
- Regular in-house training for all staff
- Funded professional qualifications (Residential Childcare L3)
- Recommend-a-friend scheme
- Discretionary rewards (Amazon vouchers, peer/manager recognition)
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Workplace Pension Scheme
- Rewards Gateway benefit scheme
- 5.6 weeks annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- All meals provided when on shift
- On-site parking
- Enhanced DBS covered
Safeguarding & Right to Work
New Forest Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including references and DBS checks. Evidence of right to work in the UK will be required.
Senior Team Leader employer: New Forest Care Ltd
Contact Detail:
New Forest Care Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see how they interact with their team and the community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your experience in residential childcare and managing challenging behaviours.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for your interviewer! Ask about their approach to staff development or how they support their team in handling challenging situations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your chat. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in residential childcare. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Team Leader, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership abilities!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve managed challenging behaviours or led a team. We love seeing real-life scenarios that demonstrate your capability to motivate and support others.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who is compassionate and resilient, so share your passion for working with children and how you embody these qualities in your professional life.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Forest Care Ltd
✨Know the Company Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the ethos and values of New Forest Care. They prioritise Children First, Dignity, Teamwork, Fairness, Excellence, and Sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples from your experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed challenging behaviours in the past and how you’ve supported staff development. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but a mentor too.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crises. Think about situations where you had to respond to challenging behaviours or support a colleague in distress. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
This role requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to cover shifts when necessary. Sharing past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or stepped in during emergencies will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
