Shift Leader - Children's Homes

The Witherslack Group; New Gate; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep ins up to 4 per month

Attendance allowance

4-week induction on Care Academy

7 weeks holiday

Aspire future managers programme

Flexible benefits package

Wellbeing tools

Medical cover

Meals provided

Job summary

The Witherslack Group is seeking a Shift Leader for our Children’s Homes in Preston. You’ll ensure smooth daily operations, lead the staff team, and support young people to restore their childhood and develop as confident individuals.

Salary range £37,254–£41,808 with up to 4 sleep-ins monthly, plus attendance allowance and a comprehensive benefits package. A rewarding role offering growth through our Care Academy and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in caring for children or young people is beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and support staff teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations in children’s homes, ensuring smooth daily running.
• Support and deputise for Team Leaders when required.
• Build positive relationships with young people and staff to promote wellbeing.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Empathy

Resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Shift Leader - Children's Homes

2026-09-13T00:00:00

Location: Preston, Lancashire, GB, PR1 2

Application Deadline: 2026-12-12T15:12:57.143

Salary: £37,254 - £41,808 assuming good attendance and up to 4 sleep ins per month

About the Role

Those huge small victories

Working in our Childrens Homes means being a part of a young persons day-to-day life. This means being there for the highest highs and lowest lows. Our shift leaders enable our young people to get their childhood back and create pathways to become well-rounded adults—an incredibly rewarding role to have. There will be challenges along the way, but there will also be the smallest moments which feel like a huge small victory!

Our homes accommodate young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, and our aim is to create the best possible outcome for the young people in our care. Our shift leaders are fulfilled by the idea of affecting even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

Getting Out What You Put In

Youll be a part of taking care of our young people day to day, making sure things run smoothly and creating lasting memories. As a shift leader, you will also ensure that the staff team is supported and the home operates at our high standards, prepared to deputise for the Team Leaders. We are looking for someone able to relate to and build relationships with our young people. Compassionate, emotionally resilient, and supportive, youll also be able to provide the leadership that inspires your colleagues.

What We Do for You

• Salary: Base salary of £32,014 - £36,568
• Bonuses: In addition to your base salary, you'll do up to 4 sleep ins per month, paid at £80 per sleep (approx. £3,840 per year) and £1,400 Attendance Allowance assuming good attendance
• Training: A full 4-week induction on our Care Academy
• Holiday: Youll work hard at WG, so you'll be rewarded with 7 weeks holiday
• Progression: Most of our team leaders and managers have been promoted from within our group; you could also join our Aspire future managers programme
• Flexible benefits package: You can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension, and life insurance; check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: A host of wellbeing tools and advice, including employee assistance
• Medical cover: Claim back the cost of opticians, dentist appointments, and enjoy many high-street discounts
• Meals: Provided while youre at work
• Facilities: Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities; check out our homes here
• Referral scheme: A £1,000 bonus for each successful friend recommendation

Our Values and Inclusivity

At Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyones differences as thats what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from diverse backgrounds and with different needs, and our workforce reflects that diversity. We aim to engage, encourage, and inspire our young people to be themselves.

You dont need experience, but we are looking for a few qualities in you:

• A can-do attitude and being a team player
• Honesty and empathy to genuinely care about our young people and each other
• Resilience to handle challenging situations
• A full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months
• If you do not have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent), we will pay for you to study and support you throughout

You will start your career as an RSW by joining our Care Academy, which includes 4 weeks of off-the-job training with experienced WG professionals.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is fundamental. We are dedicated to creating a respectful, valued environment where everyone truly belongs. As a provider of education and care for children with special educational needs, we embrace neurodiversity, diversity of perspectives, experiences, and strengths. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and are committed to accessible practices and support throughout the recruitment and workplace experience. If you require adjustments, we will support you every step of the way.

Safeguarding and Application Details

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (cost covered by us) and online searches. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description and person specification, please follow the provided links. To view our ex-offenders policy, please follow the relevant link.

• Childrens Support Worker / Residential Support Worker / Care Worker / Career in Care / Working with Children / SEMH