Job Description

Children's Home Team Leader

Location: Merstham, Surrey
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: 32,500 - 36,300 per annum (including 60 per night sleep-in payments)

Empower Young Lives - One Moment, One Breakthrough, One Future

Are you a dedicated childcare professional ready to step up and inspire change? This is more than a career move--it's your chance to make a profound difference in the lives of young people. Join us in a role where your leadership lights the way, every day brings new opportunities, and therapeutic care is at the core of everything we do.

We're seeking a

Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner (Team Leader)

to join our Ofsted-registered therapeutic home, set in the peaceful Surrey Hills. You'll lead a passionate, child-focused team, offering stability, empathy, and unwavering care for young people aged 10-18.

About the Home

Our home provides a safe haven for up to four young people who cannot live with their families. Here, recovery, growth, and new beginnings take shape.

Surrounded by nature, with calming spaces designed to nurture trust and healing, our holistic approach even includes therapy animals--like our much-loved rabbits--who play an important role in our work. Guided by a trauma-informed leadership team, every decision starts with one question: What is best for the child?

Your Role

As a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will:

Lead shifts with confidence, supporting both colleagues and young people Provide a consistent, nurturing presence through challenges and celebrations Mentor and guide junior team members, encouraging reflective practice Help young people rebuild trust, develop coping skills, and discover brighter futures
This is a hands-on leadership role--one that calls for resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed care.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver individualised, high-quality care Lead shifts, ensuring safety and structure Contribute to care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support Facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities Keep accurate records in line with regulations Mentor junior staff members Embrace ongoing professional development

What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Strong experience in residential childcare, ideally with leadership responsibilities Excellent safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice Calm, confident leadership and outstanding communication skills Empathy, resilience, and the ability to stay steady under pressure Full UK driving licence - essential Flexibility for 24.5-hour shifts (10:00am-11:00pm, sleep-in, then 7:00am-10:30am), including 2-3 sleep-ins per week

What We Offer

32,500-36,300 salary (including sleep-ins) Long day/sleep-in shift model for better work-life balance Clear progression pathways Comprehensive induction and ongoing training Specialist therapeutic training in trauma-informed care A supportive, collaborative team culture Pension scheme and staff benefits Most importantly: a role where your work truly changes lives

Be Part of Something That Truly Matters

This isn't just a job. It's a chance to build a home where young people feel safe, valued, and able to thrive. If you're ready to lead with care and shape brighter futures, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why this role inspires you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,500.00-36,300.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving Licence (required) NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work Location: In person