Team Leaders - Long-Stay Children's Home

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £5,000 enhancements

Job summary

Durham County Council is opening a brand-new long-stay Children’s Home in Aycliffe for children with learning and physical disabilities and complex health needs. We’re seeking a compassionate Team Leader to guide daily shifts and champion a child-centred approach.

As Team Leader you will supervise Residential Workers, model empowering care, and help build a warm, safe environment from day one. Applicants should have Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and a current driving licence;

Qualifications

• Experience leading residential care teams and shifts.
• Strong communication and safeguarding skills.
• Proven ability to model and coach high-quality care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily shifts with child-centred decisions.
• Supervise Residential Workers and support their development.
• Deliver loving, respectful and empowering care.
• Champion the home’s vision and values for every child.
• Support children to explore, build independence and joy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Residential childcare experience

Communication skills

Report-writing

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Team Leader – Long-Stay Children’s Home, Aycliffe Area

Salary: £33,673 - £37,563 plus up to £5,000 in enhancements

Durham County Council is opening a brand-new, purpose-designed long-stay Children’s Home in Aycliffe, created especially for children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex health needs.

We’re looking for compassionate, driven leaders who are ready to take the next step in their residential care journey. If you’ve been a Residential Worker and feel called to lead with love, purpose, and ambition, this is your moment.

ABOUT THE HOME

This is the first home of its kind in Durham in years, a thoughtfully designed space where children with complex needs will live, grow, and thrive. Every detail has been created to support high-quality, person-centred care in a warm, nurturing environment.

As a Team Leader, you’ll help shape the heart and soul of this home, leading with empathy, inspiring your team, and making every day count for the children in your care.

THE ROLE

• Lead and manage daily shifts, making confident, child-focused decisions
• Support and supervise Residential Workers, helping them grow into their best selves
• Deliver and model loving, respectful, and empowering care
• Champion the home’s vision and values, ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and supported
• Help children explore the world around them, build independence, and experience joy

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

• A brand-new home - you’ll help shape its culture from day one
• A unique leadership opportunity for those ready to step up
• Up to £5,000 extra in enhancements
• Flexible shift patterns to support work-life balance
• A values-led culture built on Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Are ready to take the next step into a leadership role
• Have significant experience in residential childcare
• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent as specified in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, please refer to page 71 to confirm relevant equivalent qualifications: QS Stat Guidance
• Are emotionally resilient, reliable, and deeply committed to children’s wellbeing
• Can inspire, motivate, and support a team to deliver outstanding care
• Have excellent communication and report-writing skills

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a car (employees with a disability must have access to a means of mobility support).

RIGHT TO WORK AND VISA INFORMATION

All offers of employment are subject to the Council meeting its legal obligations under UK immigration law. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK at the point an offer is made. UK immigration rules set minimum salary and other eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship, and it is unlikely that this role will be eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Whether an applicant meets these requirements depends on their individual circumstances, including any existing permission to work. Applicants who may require a visa are encouraged to check the current UKVI rules before applying.

Our committment to safeguarding: Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are anticipated to be held week commencing 2nd November 2026.

REMOVAL AND LODGINGS

Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

#VPRS/161