Team Leader in Canterbury

Team Leader – Children’s Residential Care Already leading shifts, supporting colleagues and helping children through difficult moments? Take your next step with Young UK Today. We are looking for an experienced Team Leader or Senior Residential Support Worker ready to progress to join Dove Tree House. You will bring confidence, compassion and a practical approach to leading shifts, helping colleagues deliver consistent care and making our home a place where children feel safe, valued and understood. Hours and shift pattern: 7:30am to 10:30pm - Work Pattern: 1 DAY ON 2 DAYS OFF We do not provide sponsorship for this role. Founded in 2021, Young UK Today provides therapeutic residential care for children and young people with emotional, behavioural and complex needs. Dove Tree House supports children aged 8–17 in a nurturing, trauma-informed environment. We focus on building trusting relationships, creating stability and helping each child develop confidence, resilience and independence. Your role Working closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager, you will lead shifts and support the day-to-day running of the home. You will remain actively involved in children’s care while helping your colleagues develop their skills and confidence. Team Leader responsibilities will include: * Leading safe, organised shifts: allocating responsibilities, coordinating activities and ensuring clear handovers. * Supporting children through everyday life: building positive relationships, celebrating achievements and providing calm, consistent support during difficult moments. * Guiding and developing colleagues: modelling good practice, supporting new starters and helping Residential Support Workers strengthen their skills. * Promoting therapeutic care: helping the team understand the impact of trauma and use PACE—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy—in their practice. * Keeping safeguarding central: recognising concerns, taking appropriate action and supporting staff to respond to incidents in line with procedures. * Maintaining effective care planning: ensuring care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans inform daily practice. * Delivering quality key work: supporting meaningful sessions that reflect each child’s needs, wishes and goals. * Maintaining accurate records: overseeing daily recording, incident reports and progress reports, with clear follow-up actions. * Working with others: building constructive relationships with families, social workers, education providers and other professionals. * Supporting the running of the home: overseeing delegated medication responsibilities, activities, budgets and shift tasks. About you We would like to hear from you if you are an established Team Leader or an experienced Senior Residential Support Worker looking for your next opportunity. You will bring: * Experience supporting children and young people in a residential care setting. * Experience leading shifts, coordinating tasks or guiding colleagues. * A sound understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries. * An understanding of how trauma can affect children’s behaviour, relationships and sense of safety. * The ability to remain calm, make considered decisions and support others under pressure. * Strong communication, recording and organisational skills. * A commitment to listening to children and helping them shape their care. * Flexibility to work the rota required by the home. Qualifications: Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare Why join Young UK Today? * Take the next step in your career: put your experience into practice in a role with responsibility for leading shifts and supporting colleagues. * Develop your skills: access ongoing training in areas including safeguarding and mental health support. * Work alongside a committed team: collaborate with colleagues and professionals who share a focus on children’s wellbeing. * See the difference you make: help children build trust, develop independence and recognise their own strengths. Apply now Ready to bring your experience to Dove Tree House? We would love to hear from you. Young UK Today is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS check and confirmation of the right to work in the UK. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion