Team Leader

Healthy Careers; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care organization in Luton is seeking a committed Team Leader for their Learning Disabilities children's residential home. In this role, you will lead and support staff, ensuring high standards of care for vulnerable young people with complex needs. You will create a nurturing environment, supervise shifts, and model best practices. The ideal candidate has at least a year of experience as a Senior Support Worker and holds an NVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact in children's lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience as a Senior Support Worker within a children's residential or LD setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour support approaches, and the needs of young people with LD.
• Confident, calm, and able to lead a team effectively during challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and supervise staff during shifts.
• Provide direct care and support to children and young people.
• Promote safeguarding, welfare, and safety at all times.
• Assist with rota planning and effective shift management.
• Oversee high-quality daily records and incident reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Understanding of safeguarding

Team supervision

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Team Leader - LD Children's Residential Home

Location: Luton
Pay: £14.50 - £15.00 per hour + £2 per hour sleep-in premium
Shift Pattern: 2 on / 4 off

Opportunity

We are looking for a committed and skilled Team Leader to join our Learning Disabilities (LD) children's residential home in Luton. This is an exciting opportunity to support vulnerable young people with complex needs while stepping into a leadership role that directly shapes the quality of care and support we provide.

You will play an essential part in creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where children can grow, develop new skills, and reach their full potential.

The Role

As the Team Leader, you will support the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring high standards of care, consistency, and safeguarding. You will lead shifts, supervise staff, model best practice, and contribute to the development of a positive, child-centred culture.

Your leadership will help ensure that every child receives personalised, trauma-informed, and meaningful support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and supervise staff during shifts, ensuring a consistent and therapeutic approach.
• Provide direct care and support to children and young people with Learning Disabilities and complex needs.
• Promote safeguarding, welfare, and safety at all times in line with legislation and organisational policies.
• Assist with rota planning, staff deployment, and effective shift management.
• Oversee the completion of high-quality daily records, incident reports, care plans, and behaviour support plans.
• Support with key-working responsibilities and ensure that children's individual needs and goals are met.
• Work collaboratively with professionals, families, and external agencies.
• Promote a positive home environment where children feel valued, respected, and supported.
• Contribute to team meetings, training, and ongoing service development.
• Act as shift leader in the absence of senior management.

About You

• Minimum 1 year experience as a Senior Support Worker within a children's residential or LD setting.
• NVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People or Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (required).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour support approaches, and the needs of young people with LD.
• Confident, calm, and able to lead a team effectively during challenging situations.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills.
• A positive and resilient practitioner with a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and young people.