Team Leader

Team Leader – Children's Residential Home

Location: Willington, County Durham
Salary: £31,688 per annum
Hours: 42 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and compassionate Team Leader to join their Ofsted-registered children’s residential home in Willington, County Durham.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced residential childcare professional who is ready to take on additional leadership responsibility while continuing to work directly with children and young people.

As Team Leader, you will support the management team with the day-to-day running of the home and lead Residential Support Workers in providing a safe, stable and nurturing environment for the young people in their care.

You will help ensure that the service operates in accordance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, associated Quality Standards, safeguarding requirements and the organisation's policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support and mentor Residential Support Workers on shift, promoting consistently high standards of care.
• Support the effective day-to-day running of the children's home.
• Ensure the physical, emotional and social needs of children and young people are appropriately supported.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of individual care plans, placement plans and risk assessments.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure appropriate reporting and recording procedures are followed.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are understood and rigorously followed by the staff team.
• Promote the rights, wishes and feelings of children and young people and champion equality and diversity.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals, including Social Workers, Local Authorities and health professionals.
• Support and develop staff through guidance, mentoring and positive leadership.
• Promote a child-centred culture focused on achieving positive outcomes for young people.
• Support the home in maintaining compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should have:

• NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare or equivalent – essential.
• Previous experience working within a children's residential care setting, ideally with around 2 years' experience.
• Experience taking responsibility on shift and the ability to lead, motivate and support other members of staff.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• The resilience and confidence to support children and young people who may present with complex needs and behaviours.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a supportive working environment alongside:

• £31,688 annual salary
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Company pension
• Paid training
• Ongoing professional development
• Regular supervision and support
• Free on-site parking
• Company events
• Casual dress
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for continued career development within residential childcare

Safeguarding

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will therefore be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.