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A wilderness Way; Appleby-in-Westmorland; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 7 weeks annual leave

Paid Compassionate Leave

Medicash healthcare benefits (dental &

Life Assurance 2x salary

Fully funded Level 3 Diploma

Company pension

Job summary

Wilderness Way in the United Kingdom is seeking a Children’s Residential Team Leader to lead shifts, ensure safe, high‑quality care and support staff development. You’ll model best practice, champion trauma‑informed care and help children feel valued and optimistic about their future.

You’ll coach and mentor staff, oversee care plans and risk assessments, work with families, schools and therapists, and support audits and inspections to maintain outstanding services.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Experience in residential childcare with emotional, behavioural or complex needs.
• Leadership experience through coaching, mentoring, shift leadership or staff development.
• 21+ years of age and right to work in the UK; driving licence may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts to ensure safe, high‑quality care.
• Coach and mentor Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers.
• Champion trauma‑informed care and nurture environments where children thrive.
• Ensure children's voices are heard and reflected in care and support.
• Promote education, wellbeing and independence through daily opportunities.
• Oversee care plans, risk assessments and records for compliance.
• Lead safeguarding on shift and support decision making.
• Collaborate with families, schools, therapists and professionals.
• Support audits, inspections and continuous improvement to maintain outstanding services.
• Deputise for senior leaders as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Mentoring

Staff Development

Safeguarding

Team Management

Education

Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Lead the Way as a Children's Residential Team Leader

Ready to take the next step in your career?

At Wilderness Way, leadership is about more than managing shifts. It's about creating an environment where children can feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their potential.

As a Team Leader, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of care within the home, leading by example, developing colleagues and ensuring children receive the outstanding support they deserve every day.

Why Join Us?

When you spend your career changing children's lives, you deserve a company that invests in yours.

That's why we offer:

• Set shift patterns including sleep-ins.
• Up to 7 weeks annual leave.
• Paid Compassionate Leave from day one.
• Enhanced Sick Pay, Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay.
• Medicash healthcare benefits, including dental and optical cashback plus 24/7 GP access.
• Life Assurance worth 2x your annual salary.
• Fully funded Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
• A dedicated induction and six-month welcome programme.
• Clear opportunities to progress your career with Wilderness Way.
• Discounts across gyms, retail, restaurants and more.
• £1,000 Refer a Friend bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

Your Day-to-Day

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be making a difference both to children and the colleagues around you.

You'll:

• Lead shifts and make decisions that ensure children receive safe, consistent and high-quality care.
• Coach, mentor and support Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers to build confidence, consistency and best practice.
• Champion trauma-informed care and help create positive, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
• Ensure children's voices are heard and reflected in the care and support they receive.
• Promote education, achievement, wellbeing and independence through everyday opportunities.
• Oversee care plans, risk assessments and records to maintain the highest standards of care and regulatory compliance.
• Lead safeguarding practice on shift, supporting colleagues to make safe and informed decisions.
• Work closely with families, schools, therapists and other professionals to help children achieve positive outcomes.
• Support audits, inspections and continuous improvement activities that help maintain outstanding services.
• Deputise for senior leaders when required and help drive the day-to-day operation of the home.

What We're Looking For

You’ll also need to:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children and Young People's Workforce, or an equivalent qualification.
• Have experience working in residential childcare, including supporting children with emotional, behavioural or complex needs.
• Bring leadership experience, whether that's through coaching, mentoring, shift leadership or supporting the development of colleagues.
• Be 21 or over (or turning 21 soon) due to requirements within children's residential care.
• Have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be comfortable driving as part of your role, as you'll help children access the people, opportunities and experiences that matter most to them.
• Bring resilience, sound judgement and a positive approach, with the confidence to make decisions and lead others through challenges.

You'll Thrive in This Role If You...

Believe great care starts with great relationships.

See leadership as supporting and developing others.

Can remain calm, resilient and compassionate when challenges arise.

Are passionate about helping children achieve outcomes they never thought possible.

Want to play a key role in building high-performing teams and exceptional homes.

Make a Lasting Difference

This isn't just a leadership role.

It's an opportunity to shape the lives of children, influence the development of your team and help create a home where young people can feel safe, supported and optimistic about their future.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.