Children Home Team Leader

Howard Finley; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-ins included

33 days annual leave

Birthday leave and gifts

Enhanced payments for nights and bank

Training and career progression

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced sickness pay and pension

Job summary

Howard Finley is recruiting an experienced Residential Childcare Team Leader for a Children's Home in Southend-on-Sea. The role involves leading shifts, safeguarding, and supporting young people and staff to provide high-quality care.

Applicants should have at least 2 years in children's residential care, a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, and the ability to manage challenging behaviour. Sleep-ins, annual leave, and career progression are part of the package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in children's residential care.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a recognised equivalent.
• Experience leading shifts or supervising staff.
• Knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Ability to manage safeguarding concerns and challenging behaviour.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and sleep-ins.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and support Residential Support Workers.
• Maintain high safeguarding and care standards.
• Support care plans, risk assessments and behaviour management.
• Guide colleagues through challenging situations.
• Maintain accurate records and incident reports.
• Support staff development and regulatory compliance.
• Build positive relationships with families and professionals.

Skills

Team leadership

Safeguarding knowledge

Behaviour management

Record keeping

Interpersonal communication

Education

Diploma in Residential Childcare (Level 3)

Job description

Residential Childcare Team Leader – Children's Home

Location: Southend-on-Sea
Salary: £34,000–£36,500 per year (including sleep‑ins)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you ready to take the lead in children's residential care?

Already working in children's residential care and ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have the experience and confidence to support a team while making a real difference to young people's lives?

My client is looking for an experienced Residential Childcare Team Leader to join their team in Southend-on-Sea.

They're looking for someone who understands children's residential care, can confidently lead a shift and knows how to support both young people and colleagues.

This isn't an entry‑level role. You'll need hands‑on experience in a children's residential home and the confidence to guide a team.

The Role

Working alongside the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager, you'll help create a safe, supportive home where young people can thrive.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading shifts and supporting Residential Support Workers.

• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding and care.

• Supporting care plans, risk assessments and behaviour management.

• Guiding colleagues through challenging situations.

• Maintaining accurate records and incident reports.

• Supporting staff development and regulatory compliance.

• Building positive relationships with families and professionals.

About You

Essential requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in children's residential care.

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a recognised equivalent.

• Previous experience leading shifts or supervising staff.

• Knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

• Confidence managing challenging behaviour and safeguarding concerns.

• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and sleep‑ins.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced Senior Residential Support Workers and existing Team Leaders who are ready to progress.

What's on Offer?

• £34,000–£36,500 annual earnings, including sleep‑ins.

• 33 days' annual leave, plus additional service‑related leave.

• Birthday leave and a birthday gift.

• Enhanced payments for nights and bank holidays.

• Training and career progression opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Programme and GP helpline.

• Enhanced sick pay and company pension.

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you've built your career in children's residential care and are ready for more responsibility, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Requirements: Enhanced DBS and safer recruitment checks apply. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available.