Most team leader roles in residential care feel like you're fighting the system. You're stretched between young people in crisis, staff morale, and paperwork that never ends. This one is different: we've built a service where the small victories actually feel huge, where your team gets proper support, and where you're paid fairly for the emotional labour this work demands
Imagine a day where you're there when a young person has their first breakthrough in months - maybe they finally trust an adult again, or they laugh properly for the first time since arriving. That's the work. You'll be embedded in the daily life of these young people, many of whom carry real trauma and complex social, emotional and mental health needs. Your presence, consistency and belief in them genuinely changes the trajectory of their childhood
As a team leader, you won't be drowning alone. You'll lead a staff team who feel supported and inspired by you, creating the conditions for them to do their best work too. You'll deputise for the registered managers, keeping the home operating at the high standards that actually protect young people and give them stability. This is leadership that matters
The home invests in your growth from day one. You'll start with a full 4-week Care Academy induction delivered by experienced professionals in your field - time to build real confidence before you're thrown in. Most of the managers here started as team leaders. If you want to progress into senior leadership, there's an 'Aspire' future managers programme waiting for you. This isn't a dead-end job; it's a launchpad
What you will be doing
- Be present in the daily lives of the young people, supporting them through their highest highs and lowest lows, and building the relationships that help them trust adults again
- Lead, support and develop your staff team, ensuring they feel equipped to deliver excellent care and creating a culture where the home runs smoothly at high standards
- Step up to deputise for the registered and deputy managers, taking on the operational leadership when needed
- Create lasting, positive memories for the young people in your care - celebrating the small victories that are actually huge wins when you're rebuilding a young person's life
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £35,400 to £42,664 base, plus up to 3 sleep-ins per month at £80 each (around £2,880 annually) and an attendance allowance up to £1,400 - real money that reflects the value of what you do
- A proper 4-week induction through our Care Academy with experienced professionals, so you actually feel ready and confident
- 7 weeks' annual holiday because we know you'll work hard and you deserve real time to recharge
- Flexible benefits including pension, life insurance and holiday allowance you can adjust to suit your life, plus medical cover for opticians and dentist costs, high-street discounts, and meals provided while you're at work
- A workplace culture that genuinely celebrates difference and inclusion - you'll bring your whole self to work, and you'll support young people from all walks of life to do the same
Is this you?
- You have a Level 3 Children's Residential Care qualification and a full UK driving licence held for at least 12 months
- You're genuinely compassionate and emotionally resilient - you actually care about young people and colleagues, not just as a job title but as a human being
- You have the grit to handle challenging situations without losing sight of why you're here - you don't need years of experience, but you do need a 'can do' attitude and the ability to roll up your sleeves
- You're a team player who inspires others through your actions, not just your words - colleagues feel they can come to you and that you have their back
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.