Residential Team Leader

About the role

This Team Leader role sits within Southwark's Children's Homes, supporting and supervising a team of Residential Practitioners to deliver high-quality, child-centred care for children and young people with complex needs, including those affected by trauma, attachment difficulties, and learning disabilities.

Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will lead by example, motivate your team, and ensure that care is delivered in line with regulatory requirements and best practice guidance. You will play a key role in creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment where children can develop resilience, build positive relationships, and achieve greater independence.

This role is 36 hours per week, delivered in accordance with the needs of the service on a rota basis. Shifts can include weekend and overnight work.

This role includes:

• Supervising and mentoring Residential Practitioners to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people
• Creating and maintaining environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported
• Supporting children with trauma, attachment difficulties, and learning disabilities through compassionate, trauma-informed care
• Ensuring care is delivered in line with relevant legislation, regulations, and Southwark Council's values
• Working in close partnership with the Registered Manager to lead the team and drive continuous improvement

To apply, click Apply Now. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Ann Simpson at Ann.Simpson@southwark.gov.uk. A job description and person specification are available at the bottom of the advert.

About You

Southwark's Children's Residential Services are looking for a committed and resilient childcare professional who can inspire others and hold a clear focus on children's wellbeing and rights. You will bring genuine leadership capability alongside a sound grounding in residential childcare practice.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare, a QCF Level 4 Children Young People and Family Practitioner Diploma, or an equivalent qualification, or be willing to work towards one where applicable
• Have experience working with children and young people in a residential care setting
• Have experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff teams
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and child-centred care
• Have knowledge of the legislation, regulations, and standards relevant to residential childcare
• Communicate effectively and apply strong organisational and problem-solving skills in practice
• Remain calm and effective when working in challenging situations
• Be committed to promoting equality, diversity, and the rights of children and young people

Southwark is committed to making its borough just and fair, and actively works to tackle inequalities through its Southwark Stands Together initiative. Applications are particularly welcomed from members of the Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. Guaranteed interviews are available for members of the Armed Forces and veterans, people who are currently or have previously been in care, and people who consider themselves disabled or who have a long-term health condition, provided the minimum requirements for the role are met.

This post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at Enhanced, Children's Barred List level. Right-to-work checks will be carried out as part of the onboarding process.

Southwark's Offer to You

Southwark's Children's Residential Services are built around bespoke, trauma-informed care that promotes the safety, wellbeing, and aspirations of every child and young person in their homes. The service prioritises learning and development, encourages career progression, and empowers staff to deliver meaningful care every day.

Joining means becoming part of a supportive, collaborative team that values professionalism, compassion, and continuous improvement. Southwark is the largest local authority social landlord in London, serving a young, diverse, and growing population, and its commitment to tackling racial inequality and building a just borough underpins everything the council does. Further information on benefits is available via the council's recruitment pages.