At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage shifts in children's homes, ensuring quality care and support.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with potential enhancements, flexible shifts, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and significant experience in the field.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 36363 £ per year.
Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area.
Salary: £32,597 - £36,363 (starting salary will consider experience relevant to the post, if required for external candidates). This post is paid enhancements, which can equate to an additional earning potential of up to £5,000 on top of the basic salary.
We are recruiting Team Leaders for children’s homes across County Durham, including mainstream, short-break, long-break, 16–17-year-old provision, and planned respite care services. There are posts available across the County Durham area; applicants will be given the opportunity at interview to advise which areas they would like to be considered for.
OUR VALUES
Our service is built on the ‘Durham’ values – Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset – which are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.
THE ROLE
- Leading and managing shifts, taking responsibility for decision making.
- Taking a lead role in all aspects of care and support for our children and young people.
- Key responsibility for recording, monitoring, and review of documentation.
- Supervising and managing residential staff.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification as stated in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015).
- Significant experience of working in residential childcare.
- Strong leadership, communication, and report‑writing skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with young people and professionals.
Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car. Employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support. All applicants must be aged 22+, and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure is applicable to this post.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought, inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
The role involves working a range of shifts, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and sleep‑in duties. The shift patterns enable a level of flexibility for employees. We operate a 365‑day, 24‑hour service. As part of this, shift‑based roles work on a rota basis and attract enhanced payments. You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support your development in your role. Access to a wide‑ranging rewards and benefits offer is provided.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are anticipated to be held Week Commencing 3rd August 2026.
REMOVAL AND LODGINGS
Removal, lodging, and separation expenses may be available to successful candidates whose place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.
Team Leaders in North East employer: North East Ambition
As a Team Leader with Durham County Council, you will join a dedicated team committed to the welfare of children and young people in a supportive and inclusive environment. With competitive salaries, enhanced payment opportunities, and a strong focus on employee development through comprehensive training programmes, this role offers meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community. Our values of Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset guide our work culture, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leaders in North East
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at North East Ambition.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from North East Ambition!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like North East Ambition, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at North East Ambition or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leaders in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to North East Ambition:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Ambition! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
