Team Leader (Senior Support Worker) Residential Children’s Home

Full job description

Team Leader Residential Children’s Home

Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Plus Sleep-ins paid at £50 per night
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Annual Leave**: 28 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday

At [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk], we're creating a warm, stable home for up to 3 children with emotional and behavioural needs. We are building a dedicated team who share our values and commitment to providing our children with the best possible care.

Our management team bring years of experience and a warm, empathetic, and highly motivated approach -dedicated to creating a nurturing, supportive home for both the children and the staff who care for them.

We’re seeking a Team Leader to provide outstanding care and support and supervision within our team. This is a key role for someone with the experience, confidence, and compassion to support children while guiding and motivating others

Working Pattern

• Full-time position averaging 37.5 hours per week, with shift patterns varying across a rolling rota.
• Includes weekdays, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Day shifts (07:30–22:30) and sleep-ins (£50 per night) are shared fairly across the team.
• Staff have every third full weekend off, supporting a healthy work–life balance.
• Flexibility is essential, and additional shifts may be available.
• Occasional training or duties may fall outside the regular pattern, with reasonable notice provided.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and support a team of Support Workers, modelling high standards of care and professionalism
• Complete daily staffing allocations and ensure effective shift cover
• Provide senior cover on shift, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins
• Respond to incidents and crises with calm, confident decision-making
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children using trauma-informed approaches (PACE)
• Lead key-working responsibilities and contribute to personalised care planning
• Mentor junior staff, supporting their development and supervision
• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and Ofsted regulations
• Promote the values and ethos of [Employer hidden]
• Attend team meetings and supervisions; communicate any changes to practice or policy
• Liaise with parents/carers, professionals, and external agencies

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking experienced, reflective practitioners who bring empathy, stability, and strong professional values to their work. If you’re committed to providing outstanding care, supporting the development of others, and helping children thrive in a trauma-informed environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Essential:

• Must hold a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification recognised under Ofsted regulations)
• At least 2 years’ experience in a residential childcare setting
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of and children young people
• Confident in supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Able to lead shifts and make sound decisions relating to the safety and welfare of children and staff
• Flexible to work a residential rota, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and sleep-ins
• Compassionate, resilient, and committed to being a consistent, positive role model

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a Senior or Shift Leader role
• Working toward or willing to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Residential Childcare)
• Familiarity with PACE, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care
• Good understanding of Ofsted’s Quality Standards, safeguarding procedures, and residential care regulations
• Full, valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive for work purposes

What We Offer

• 28 days’ annual leave, plus a paid day off for your birthday
• Regular reflective supervision and wellbeing support
• Fully funded training, including PACE and Level 5 Diploma opportunities
• Career progression routes
• Supportive, trauma-informed environment with strong leadership
• Recommend a friend bonus scheme
• Recognition awards and long service bonuses
• Free on-site parking
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Beautifully refurbished, comfortable workplace
• A unique opportunity to be part of our initial core team
• Supportive working environment with a small-scale provider dedicated to high-quality care and staff well-being
• Positive, values-led management team

Our Approach

At [Employer hidden], we are grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, creating consistency, emotional safety, and trust for children who have experienced early adversity. Our practice is underpinned by the PACE model – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy – and we invest in developing our team to provide exceptional care.

We know that supporting children with complex needs takes resilience, skill, and teamwork. That’s why we offer a strong induction, high-quality training, and a reflective, collaborative work environment. We strive to ensure our staff feel confident, supported, and equipped, so they can provide the best possible care for the children at [Employer hidden].

Safeguarding Statement

[Employer hidden] is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS check, identity verification, and references (including from your most recent employer).

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you have Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent qualifications?
• Do you need us (the employer) to give you visa sponsorship to work in the UK?

Experience:

• UK Residential Childcare: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person