Residential Team Leader

About the role

Southwark Council's Children's Residential Homes Service is recruiting three Team Leaders to lead and support Residential Practitioners in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care to children and young people in its homes in Peckham Rye, South East London. Many of the children and young people in care have experienced adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, attachment difficulties and, in some cases, learning difficulties.

Working closely with the Registered Manager, Team Leaders lead by example to create and sustain a safe, nurturing and child-centred environment. The role involves supporting children to build emotional resilience, develop life skills, increase independence and grow in confidence and self-worth, while supervising staff and promoting a culture of excellence. Some homes may accept emergency or same-day placements following a thorough assessment of the child's needs and the home's ability to provide appropriate care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day leadership, guidance and supervision to a team of Residential Practitioners
• Ensuring high standards of care are delivered in line with children's care plans and individual needs
• Promoting trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support approaches
• Building effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies
• Monitoring practice standards and driving continuous improvement across the home

The role is 36 hours per week, worked across various shifts including weekends.

To apply, click Apply Now. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Radoslaw Bielec at Radoslaw.Bielec@southwark.gov.uk.

About You

Southwark is looking for an inspirational and resilient leader who can motivate others to deliver exceptional care. The right candidate will bring relevant experience alongside a strong understanding of what children in residential care need to thrive.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, a QCF Level 4 Children Young People and Family Practitioner Diploma, or equivalent qualification — this is an essential requirement
• Have experience of working with children and young people in a residential childcare or similar setting
• Have experience of supervising, leading or mentoring staff teams
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of safeguarding, child development and trauma-informed practice

Southwark is committed to tackling racial inequality and particularly welcomes applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. Applications are also welcomed from members of the Armed Forces and veterans, people who are currently or have previously been in care, and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions — all of whom are eligible for a guaranteed interview provided they meet the minimum requirements for the role.

This post requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the Children's Barred List.

Southwark's Offer to You

Southwark's new Children's Residential Homes Service places children's wellbeing, safety and development at the centre of everything it does. Team Leaders join an organisation with a council-wide commitment to equality and inclusion, demonstrated through its Southwark Stands Together initiative to tackle racial inequality in communities and the workforce.

• Guaranteed interview scheme for Armed Forces veterans, care-experienced candidates, and disabled people or those with long-term health conditions
• Full benefits information available at jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us
• And more