Job Description

Children's Residential 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 passionate childcare professional ready to take the next step in your career? This is your opportunity to make a lasting difference. Step into a role where your leadership inspires change, every day brings new possibilities, and therapeutic care is at the heart of everything you do.

We are looking for a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner (Team Leader) to join our Ofsted-registered therapeutic home, located on the peaceful edge of the Surrey Hills. Here, you'll guide a dedicated, child-focused team, providing stability, empathy, and consistent nurturing care for young people aged 10-18.

About the Home

Our home offers care for up to four young people who cannot live with their families, creating a safe, stable, and supportive environment for recovery and growth.

Set in a calm, spacious location surrounded by nature, the home is designed to promote healing, trust, and personal development. Therapy animals--including our much-loved rabbits--are part of our unique holistic approach. Guided by a trauma-informed leadership team, every decision we make is grounded in one question: What is best for the child?

Your Role

As Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner, you will:

Lead shifts with confidence, supporting colleagues and young people alike Provide a steady, nurturing presence through challenges and celebrations Guide junior team members, encouraging reflective and therapeutic practice Help young people rebuild trust, develop coping skills, and see new possibilities for their future
This is a hands-on leadership role where resilience, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed care are essential.

Key responsibilities:

Deliver high-quality, individualised care Lead shifts and maintain structure and safety Contribute to care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support Facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities Keep accurate records in line with regulations Mentor junior staff Take part in continuous professional development
What You'll Bring

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) - essential Significant experience in residential childcare, ideally with shift-leading or senior duties Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice Calm, confident leadership and excellent communication skills Empathy, resilience, and a steady presence under pressure Full UK driving licence - essential Flexibility to work 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 is more than just a job--it's the chance to create a home where young people feel safe, understood, and supported to grow. If you're ready to lead with care and play a vital role in shaping 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

Reference ID: SNR RCCP