Most care work feels like you're firefighting: endless tasks, thin staffing, no real chance to lead or grow. This role is different. We're looking for someone confident and compassionate who's ready to actually shape how a team delivers exceptional care to children and young adults with complex disabilities, not just follow procedures
You'll step into a shift leader role where your voice genuinely matters. You're not just delivering care - you're planning activities that engage and delight the young people in your care, smoothing their daily routines, and building the kind of relationships that make a real difference to their wellbeing and independence. The families you support will know you by name and trust you completely
Leading a care team means mentoring staff, modelling best practice, and creating a culture where safeguarding, medication protocols and emergency procedures aren't just ticked boxes - they're lived values that protect the young people every single day. You'll be organised, child-centred, and skilled at holding yourself and others to the highest standards
This is respite care, so you're part of a specialist team supporting children and young adults with complex needs. The work is hands-on and real. You'll mentor colleagues, champion positive relationships across the team and with families, and help uphold a commitment to dignity and putting the child first in everything you do. It's a role that builds genuine leadership skills and makes your experience visible and valued
What you will be doing
- Lead and support the care team on shift, mentoring staff and ensuring high-quality, personalised care is delivered consistently
- Plan and deliver engaging activities and smooth daily routines that promote independence, wellbeing and positive relationships with the young people
- Oversee safeguarding, medication management, documentation and emergency procedures, ensuring compliance to the highest standards
- Support families and maintain positive working relationships across the team, advocating for each child's dignity and individual needs
- Work a shift rota including sleep-in duties and weekend working across 37.5 hours per week
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £32,500 to £36,000 depending on your experience, recognised and rewarded
- A genuine leadership role where you mentor staff and shape how the team delivers care - not just follow orders
- Shift work on a flexible rota including sleep-in duties, giving you control over your work-life balance
- Work within a team genuinely committed to putting the child first, with strong safeguarding culture and support for your professional development
Is this you?
- Are you confident and compassionate, with strong organisational skills and a genuine child-centred approach?
- Have you got experience in hands-on care for children or young adults with complex disabilities or additional needs?
- Can you lead a team with warmth and clarity, mentoring colleagues while maintaining high safeguarding and care standards?
- Are you comfortable working a flexible rota including sleep-in duties, weekends and shift patterns?
- Do you hold or are you willing to work towards relevant care qualifications (Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent)?
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.