Most Team Leader roles in residential care feel like admin jobs that happen to involve young people. You're drowning in paperwork, managing crises, and rarely getting to see the real impact you're making. This one is completely different: you'll lead a small team while staying hands-on, building genuine relationships with the young people in your care, and actually seeing them transform
Picture Sunday morning: you're taking one of your young people to football. A year ago he wouldn't leave the house, was terrified of people, wouldn't go to school. Now he's playing, laughing, confident. After the match you grab breakfast together and he talks about his week. That's the job. That's what you're actually doing here
Afternoons bring real leadership - health and safety checks, supporting family visits (the tricky ones where you're genuinely needed), paperwork that matters because it protects the young people and your team. You're not stuck in an office: you're moving between the home, managing outings, problem-solving with your team around you
Evenings are what they should be: settling young people, building routines, being present. Then you catch up on your to-do list from the deputy manager, knowing tomorrow you'll do it all again - a rhythm that balances care with leadership, impact with organisation
This provider is Ofsted Registered and runs a genuinely therapeutic approach to residential care. Your team trusts you because you're in the thick of it with them, not just directing from above. Young people who arrive scared, withdrawn, not attending school start to flourish because you and your team know them, push them gently, believe in them
What you will be doing
- Lead and support a small residential care team, ensuring consistent, therapeutic care for the young people in the home
- Be hands-on with direct care: going out with young people, supporting family visits, managing activities and day-to-day life
- Complete health and safety checks, paperwork and care planning that keeps the home and team running safely
- Work closely with the deputy manager, implementing policies and supporting other team members to develop their practice
- Spot potential in young people who've experienced real trauma or rejection, and help them take the first steps back to school, family contact, confidence
Why you will love working here
- A role where you lead a team but stay connected to the actual care - no false choice between management and impact
- The chance to see real transformation: young people who couldn't attend school going full-time, isolation becoming confidence, families rebuilding
- Work with an Ofsted Registered provider running a therapeutic model that actually works
- Part of a team where the deputy manager backs you and your team has your back
- A structured rota and the kind of sustainable pace that means you can stay in this work long-term without burning out
Is this you?
- You've worked in children's residential or therapeutic care and you genuinely care about young people's futures, not just clocking in
- You can lead a team with warmth and clarity, but you're not afraid to roll your sleeves up and do the care work yourself
- You're organised enough to manage paperwork and health and safety without losing sight of why you're here
- You understand that young people in residential care have often been let down, and you're patient with setbacks and celebrations
- You have or are working towards relevant qualifications such as QCF Level 3 in Children and Young People's Services, or equivalent experience that demonstrates your capability
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.