Team Leader – Residential Childcare Worker

Grand Recruit Limited; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare recruitment agency is seeking a Team Leader – Residential Childcare Worker in Lancashire. This role involves leading a team and providing care for adolescents with emotional challenges. Responsibilities include ensuring safety, maintaining records, and fostering a supportive environment. Candidates should have a Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare and a minimum of 18 months experience. This permanent position offers an hourly rate of £13.50 plus sleep-in allowances.

Benefits

Sleep-in allowance of £53 per night

Double time on Christmas Day

Pension auto-enrolment

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months in residential childcare or similar setting.
• Experience in outdoor activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team providing day-to-day care for adolescents.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ensure a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for young people.

Skills

Positive engagement with young people

Effective verbal and written communication

Risk assessment capability

Leadership and coaching skills

Education

Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Team Leader – Residential Childcare Worker. Reports To: Registered Manager/Deputy Manager. Location: Blackpool.

Purpose of the Role: To lead and support a team providing day-to-day care for adolescents with emotional or behavioural challenges. The role includes participation in outdoor activities and alternative education programs.

Responsibilities

• Actively contribute as a team member and follow the established management structure.
• Lead care delivery when required, ensuring high standards of support.
• Carry out duties as directed by management, including home-related tasks.
• Adhere to all statutory regulations and internal policies.
• Work flexibly to ensure adequate coverage and smooth operation of the home.
• Communicate effectively during handovers and team interactions.
• Foster a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for young people.
• Support educational engagement and attendance.
• Promote health awareness and liaise with healthcare professionals.
• Encourage participation in leisure activities, following risk assessments.
• Join young people in activity programs.
• Maintain cleanliness, manage laundry, and assist with meal preparation.
• Support young people in developing independence.
• Remain vigilant to signs of distress or abuse and ensure constant safeguarding.
• Respect and promote diverse backgrounds and be sensitive to gender issues.
• Provide structure and boundaries for young people.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ensure clear communication to support young people's welfare.
• Engage in training, supervision, and team meetings.
• Continuously assess needs and suggest service improvements.
• Supervise young people to ensure safety and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to secure resources.
• Assist with health and safety compliance, including fire safety and COSHH.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as assigned.

Person Specification

Essential Attributes

• Positive engagement with young people
• Sense of humour, self-motivation, and calm demeanour
• Honesty, reliability, and empathy
• Risk assessment capability
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Professional and caring values
• Valid driving license (due to location requirements)

Desirable Attributes

• Leadership and coaching skills
• Ability to motivate and influence others
• Innovative thinking
• IT literacy
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and standards (e.g., Children’s Homes Regs 2015, Children Act)

Experience

• Minimum 18 months in residential childcare or similar setting
• Experience in outdoor activities (desirable)

Qualifications

• Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent (or working towards)

Training

• Commitment to professional development
• Completion of assigned courses and mandatory training

Working Conditions

• Sleep-in duties required
• Flexibility to cover shifts, holidays, and work across multiple homes
• Good health and attendance record

Occupational Requirement

• English language proficiency during working hours to ensure effective communication and inclusion

Terms of Employment

• Hourly Rate: £13.50
• Sleep-in Allowance: £53 per night
• Employment Status: Permanent (post-probation)
• Probation Period: 6 months (subject to performance)
• Shift Pattern: 15-hour shifts (8am–11pm) + sleep-in (11pm–8am), on a 1-on, 2-off rotation
• Annual Leave: 210 hours (pro rata), inclusive of bank holidays
• Holiday Pay: Double time on Christmas Day; time and a half on other bank holidays
• Pension: Auto-enrolment compliant
• Work Location: Any designated home within the assigned area
• Equal Opportunities: Commitment to fair and equitable treatment in all employment practices
• Notice Period: 1 week during probation; 1 month thereafter