Residential Team Leader

Reports to: Deputy Manager

Location: Newquay

Salary: £14.98

Job Type: Full Time 

Role Overview: Our client support children and young people to feel safe, understood, and valued, creating a stable and nurturing home environment where they can build trust, develop independence, and experience a sense of belonging.Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, they work collaboratively with families and professionals to develop consistent, meaningful relationships that support lasting positive outcomes.The Senior Support Worker plays a key role in ensuring children receive safe, structured, and emotionally supportive care. Through guidance, oversight, and reflective leadership, the role promotes consistent practice, positive outcomes, and a strong, relational culture within the home.

Care is delivered in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, using trauma-informed and clinically informed approaches. 

Key Responsibilities: 

To make a difference to children and young people:

• Support children to feel safe, understood, and supported in managing their emotions and behaviours
• Recognise that behaviour is communication and respond using trauma-informed and therapeutically informed approaches
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including those relating to colleagues, in line with local safeguarding procedures and whistleblowing policy
• Work alongside children, families, and professionals to create and follow bespoke high quality meaningful person centred plans, Risk assessments and positive behaviour support plans
• Provide regular 1:1 sessions and direct work, supporting each child to explore their life story and build independence through personalised planning to achieve identified and agreed goals.
• Promote and support education, attendance, and achievement in partnership with education providers
• Support children to understand and exercise their rights, including access to advocacy and complaints procedures
• Support children to access and enjoy a range of activities, hobbies, and social experiences that reflect their interests, promote confidence, and contribute to their overall development and wellbeing
• Support children to develop daily living skills, including planning, preparing, and sharing meals, promoting independence, routine, and a sense of belonging within the home
• Support children to engage positively with their local community, developing social skills, independence, and a respectful understanding of diversity, inclusion, and shared values
• Build trusting and meaningful relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Follow and contribute to individual risk assessments and behaviour support strategies, including the safe and appropriate use of physical intervention where trained
• Monitor children’s progress and outcomes, contributing to care planning and reviews
• Ensure each child has positive relationships and meaningful direct work with staff
• Support staff to understand and implement care, placement, and behaviour plans
• Promote a trauma-informed approach where behaviour is understood as communication

To support the effective running of the home:

• Maintain clear, accurate records that reflect the child’s voice and are suitable for inspection
• Complete incident reports and daily logs in line with regulatory and organisational expectations
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing home environment
• Prepare and cook nutritious meals, ensuring children’s dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements are met
• Administer medication in line with policy and regulatory guidance
• Support the safe management of petty cash and children’s finances
• Maintain confidentiality while sharing information appropriately to safeguard children
• Responsibilities in line with identified areas to support the smooth running of the home  

To lead and support staff:

• Provide clear, calm leadership on shift
• Supervise, Mentor and Induct support staff, including those in probation
• Deliver formal regular supervision in line with regulatory expectations
• Support recruitment, induction, and development
• Monitor staff practice and ensure compliance with policies and Quality Standards
• Promote and participate in reflective practice, professional curiosity, and continuous learning and development.
• Address conduct and performance concerns appropriatelyTo support quality and operations:Ensure staffing levels meet the needs of children
• Support consistent routines and a nurturing home environment
• Monitor recording systems and undertake quality checks and audits
• Support rota planning, handovers, and communication
• Ensure the home operates in line with Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards

This is not an exhaustive list, other duties and responsibilities may be required from time to time which are within your capability or skill set. 

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Calm, relational leadership style
• Ability to guide and support others
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Confident decision-making
• Strong safeguarding awareness
• Reflective and supportive approach
• Commitment to consistent, high-quality care 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in residential childcare (essential)
• Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Children and Young People (essential)
• Understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards (Essential)
• Experience supporting or supervising staff (desirable)
• Willingness to complete mandatory training and renew within timescales including safeguarding, behaviour support, first aid, health & safety, and physical intervention.
• Enhanced DBS (Children’s Barred List) required
• Over 22 Years Old
• This in no longer a requirement however is good practice – may be worth changing to 21
• Driving licence (desirable)

Working Conditions:

Shift-based work including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins

Supporting children with complex needs

Responsibility for shift leadership

Participation in supervision and training

This role is subject to a 6-month probation

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of every child we support. We work in partnership with families, professionals, and communities to deliver safe, consistent, and compassionate care.All staff are required to work in accordance with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and safeguarding legislation. Our approach is grounded in strong relationships, clinical understanding, and a shared responsibility to ensure children are safe, respected, and supported to achieve positive, meaningful outcomes.