Therapeutic Residential Children's Home Team Leader

Bear Care 1 Ltd; Tendring; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave progression

Perkbox discounts & wellbeing

Counselling services

Long service awards

Free parking

Refer a friend bonus

CPD & training funding

Career development

Supportive environment

Job summary

Bear Care 1 Ltd is seeking an experienced Team Leader for a children’s residential home in the Tendring area. You will lead shifts, support and develop the care team, and Deputise for the Deputy Manager when required, while remaining actively involved in direct care.

The role requires a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or progression towards it) and a strong safeguarding background. You will support staff development, oversee care plans and ensure regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Holds a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or is working towards it.
• Experience leading or supporting a shift or team in a children’s residential setting.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development and childcare legislation.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts within the home to ensure safe, high‑quality care.
• Deputise for Deputy Manager when required and support home operations.
• Supervise staff, conduct appraisals and training; set clear expectations.
• Mentor staff and promote positive practice across the team.
• Oversee care plans and risk assessments; keep them updated.
• Support the Therapeu­tic Framework in daily practice with children.
• Assist children in achieving personal goals and independence.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns and escalate incidents as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Ofsted standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding knowledge

Direct care involvement

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Job description

Full-time: 37.5 hours per week
30,000 to 34,000 / 15.38 to 17.44

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Team Leader to join our children's residential home and provide day-to-day leadership to our care team.

As a Team Leader, you will play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and structured environment where children and young people can thrive emotionally, socially and developmentally.

You will lead shifts, support and develop the staff team and act as a positive role model, while remaining actively involved in the direct care of the children and young people we support. You will also deputise for the Deputy Manager when required.

What we offer

We want our employees to feel supported, valued and able to develop throughout their career. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Annual leave that increases with length of service

• Complimentary Perkbox membership, giving access to a range of discounts, rewards and wellbeing benefits

• Complimentary access to counselling services

• Long service awards

• Free parking

• Refer a friend bonus

• Funded CPD and ongoing learning opportunities

• Career development and progression opportunities

• A supportive working environment

About the role

As a Team Leader, you will:

• Lead shifts within the home, ensuring safe, consistent and high-quality care is provided.

• Take responsibility for the home's operation in the absence of senior management and deputise for the Deputy Manager when required.

• Support staff supervisions, appraisals and training, setting clear expectations and goals.

• Mentor and role-model positive practice to the wider staff team.

• Maintain a child-centred approach, ensuring the individual needs of each child are understood and supported.

• Oversee care plans and risk assessments, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated where required.

• Support the implementation of our Therapeutic Framework through everyday practice.

• Support children and young people to achieve personal goals and develop independence and life skills.

• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and ensure incidents are recorded, reported and escalated.

• Support the home to meet the requirements of the Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted Quality Standards and organisational policies and procedures.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or is working towards the qualification.

• Has experience working in a children's residential setting, including experience leading or supporting a shift or team.

• Has strong knowledge of safeguarding, child development and relevant childcare legislation.

• Has experience supporting children and young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour.

• Is resilient, empathetic and decisive, with an approachable and supportive leadership style.

• Is confident leading a team while remaining actively involved in direct care.

It would be great if you also have

• Previous experience working as a Team Leader or Senior Support Worker.

• Knowledge or experience of therapeutic approaches such as PACE or trauma-informed care.

• A full UK driving licence.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership role while staying closely connected to the children and young people you are supporting.

We are looking for someone who can lead by example, build strong relationships and help create consistency across the home. If you are an experienced residential childcare professional who is ready to take the next step in your career and make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.