Team Leader Residential

Team Leader Residential
Salary: Up to £36,255**per annum plus £700 on call allowance
Location: Belper, Derbyshire
Contract/Hours: Permanent / Full Time – 37 hours per week

**Benefits: **

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training for some roles
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Up to 5% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We work hard to create an inclusive environment. One where individuality is celebrated and where everyone feels valued and supported. Because when we come together, with skills like yours, we’re capable of amazing things.

We actively encourage applications from people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability, as these groups are under- represented within Action for Children.

A bit about the role

As a Team Leader at Willow Lodge, you’ll be at the heart of a small, specialist therapeutic community designed to transform the lives of children who have experienced early trauma. In our supportive, relationship‑focused residential setting, you’ll guide and motivate a dedicated team to provide a safe and consistent environment where young people can grow, heal and develop confidence.

You’ll draw on your experience in children’s residential care and your strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice to guide, coach and inspire your team. Your leadership will ensure that every child receives consistent, high‑quality care rooted in empathy, structure and positive connection.

This is a hands‑on leadership position where no two days are the same. You’ll be empowered to make meaningful decisions, contribute to the development of a brand‑new service, and work closely with our in‑house Behaviour Consultant and mental health specialists. Most importantly, you’ll help shape a home where children feel valued, understood and genuinely cared for.

About the Service****

Willow Lodge is a brand-new, purpose-built therapeutic residential home managed by Action for Children, designed to provide a safe and nurturing sanctuary for up to four young people. Nestled in the heart of Belper, our service specialises in supporting children who have experienced early life trauma, leading to emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties (EBD/SEMH). We reject rigid, clinical environments in favour of a warm "home-from-home" atmosphere where healing happens through positive relationships and community integration. Backed by an in-house Behaviour Consultant and dedicated mental health pathways, Willow Lodge is a place where vulnerable children are given the stability, tools, and care they need to build long-term personal resilience and practical independence.

What you do could make a difference

Some key responsibilities as a Team Leader are;

• Leading the team — providing day‑to‑day direction, modelling best practice, and fostering a culture of reflection, learning and emotional safety.
• Overseeing individualised care plans — ensuring each young person’s needs, strengths and goals are understood and supported through thoughtful planning and therapeutic approaches.
• Promoting positive relationships — nurturing trust with children, families and professionals to create a strong network around each young person.
• Safeguarding and wellbeing — maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and emotional care using expertise and the confidence to act decisively to protect young people.
• Supporting staff development — providing supervision, feedback and opportunities for continuous professional growth.

Let’s talk about you

We’re looking for a Team Leader who can combine compassion with confident leadership. Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to build positive, supportive relationships with colleagues.
• Emotional and social support experience with children and young people who may display complex or behaviours that may challenge.
• Line management capability — guiding, supervising and developing a team to deliver consistently high standards of care.
• Shift leadership experience, ensuring safe, therapeutic and well‑coordinated practice.
• Link‑working responsibilities, including maintaining accurate records, reports and key documentation.
• Care planning skills — identifying needs, setting goals and monitoring progress.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

Contact: If you have any further questions, you can contact Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13295.

Want to get to know Action for Children better?

Job description

Action for Children Employee Benefits

AfC Commitment Statement

Management Competency Framework

Make a Difference - A Career in Residential Services