Location: Oxfordshire

Role Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Residential Team Leader to join our children’s residential service in Oxfordshire. This role is ideal for someone looking to take the next step in their career, supporting the Registered Manager in leading a team to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for young people.

As a Team Leader, you will lead by example on shift, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can develop life skills, build confidence, and feel supported. You will play a key role in staff supervision, care planning, and ensuring the service meets all regulatory and safeguarding standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager, supporting with the day-to-day running of the home
• Lead shifts and work alongside staff, setting the standard for high-quality care and best practice
• Manage and update rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels and effective staff-child matching
• Create a positive environment where young people can develop independence and life skills
• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people, families, and external professionals
• Act as an advocate for the rights, well-being, and voice of each child
• Monitor and assess progress through care plans, risk assessments, and daily records
• Provide leadership, supervision, and support to staff to maintain high standards of care
• Carry out staff supervisions, performance monitoring, and development support
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed, and risks are appropriately managed
• Support young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, behaviour, and wellbeing
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulatory standards

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working in a children’s residential care setting
• Experience in a senior support worker or team leader role (or ready to step up)
• Strong understanding of care planning and safeguarding procedures
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Confident using IT systems and basic computer applications
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive, flexible, and proactive attitude
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends

Desirable Skills

• NVQ Level 3/4 in Children & Young People (or working towards)
• Experience in rota management and staffing coordination
• Medication training (or willingness to complete training)
• Experience working with young people with complex needs or challenging behaviours
• Knowledge of Ofsted standards and regulatory requirements
• Experience conducting staff supervisions and risk assessments