Team Leader – Secure Children's Home

About the role

This is a Team Leader position at Lansdowne Secure Children's Home in Hailsham, East Sussex — a secure home run by East Sussex County Council that supports some of the most vulnerable young people aged 10 to 17 from across the UK.

You'll be a visible leader who brings a presence to the home, planning Residential Support Workers' shifts and leading them on a day-to-day basis. The home operates within a state-of-the-art nurturing environment, and each young person has a bespoke care plan covering their education, health, and wellbeing needs.

This is a challenging role. It involves taking the lead in a constructive and proactive way to address problematic behaviour presented by the children, and requires resilience and self-awareness.

The salary of £44,315 to £47,363 per annum includes two weekend working increments, reflecting weekend working as part of the role. Full shift pattern details are not specified in the advert; candidates are encouraged to raise questions at interview or through the contacts below.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and leading Residential Support Workers' shifts on a day-to-day basis
• Ensuring children remain engaged and that their emotional and physical wellbeing is cared for
• Taking a proactive lead in addressing problematic behaviour in a constructive manner
• Guiding staff safely through physical intervention where required
• Contributing to the delivery of bespoke care plans that address each young person's education and health needs

To apply, upload your CV and a Supporting Statement via the Apply Now button. Your Supporting Statement will be used to shortlist, so address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests. Interviews will take place in person at Lansdowne Secure Unit within two weeks of the closing date. If you are unavailable during that window, contact the team to discuss an alternative date.

For an informal discussion, contact Hannah Jones, Business Support Manager, at hannah.jonesCS@eastsussex.gov.uk or Karen Carty, Workforce Development Manager, at karen.carty@eastsussex.gov.uk.

About You

East Sussex are looking for someone who can lead confidently within a secure residential setting, supporting a skilled staff team to deliver consistent, high-quality care. This role suits candidates who bring both practical experience and the personal qualities needed to work with young people with complex and challenging needs.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be organised and self-motivated, able to manage competing priorities across a shift
• Have strong communication skills suited to working with young people, families, and colleagues
• Have experience of managing behaviour using physical restraint and be able to guide others through intervention safely
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and be committed to maintaining high standards of vigilance, respect, reporting, and professional curiosity at all times

East Sussex warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community, and particularly encourage those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. East Sussex County Council is working towards a workforce that reflects its community, recognising the unique skills, experience, and perspective that each individual brings.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity. Evidence of an overseas police check will be required if you have lived or worked abroad. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, please make this clear in your application so eligibility can be assessed.

East Sussex County Council's Offer to You

Lansdowne Secure Children's Home operates within a state-of-the-art nurturing environment, supported by a skilled team dedicated to the all-round wellbeing of the young people in their care. Extensive training and ongoing support are provided to ensure all staff can fully and confidently fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.

East Sussex County Council offers a diverse range of employee benefits. Staff are also held to high professional standards, with the expectation that those working with children maintain a genuinely caring and curious approach to their practice. As Team Leader Kayleigh puts it: 'I really like the hands-on approach of support work and knowing that I'm making a difference.'

Click Apply Now to discover more about the full range of benefits available.