Job Introduction

We are offering a rare and rewarding opportunity to step into a leadership role as part of the founding team for a brand-new, not-for-profit Children’s Residential Care Home.

This is your chance to help shape a high-quality service from the ground up, supporting children with learning disabilities in a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where they can truly thrive and feel at home.

We’re seeking dedicated Team Leaders who are compassionate, dependable, and ready to lead by example—making a lasting difference in the lives of young people while supporting and inspiring a team to deliver outstanding care.

Salary & Key Details

Salary: £16.50 per hour
Contract Type: Full Time
Job Category: Care & Support
Location: Wimborne, Flexible (Operates across two sites in Wimborne)
Closing Date: 8 August 2026

Your Role as a Team Leader

As part of a team wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, you’ll provide consistent, compassionate support to children with learning disabilities, helping them feel safe, valued, and empowered. You will:

Build trusting, positive relationships with children and young people.
Support daily routines – from school runs and mealtimes to play and bedtime.
Help children learn life skills and build their independence.
Work collaboratively to ensure children feel safe, secure, and cared for.
Support with writing care plans, routines, and completing risk assessments for the home and young people alongside other responsibilities such as leading shifts.
Handle challenging behaviour calmly and with empathy, using a therapeutic approach.
Take part in fun, active days – every day is different!
Participate in the sleep-in rota, with an average of 4 sleep-ins per month (flexibility is essential).
Conduct staff supervisions and play an active role in running team meetings.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate professional who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role, making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. To succeed in this role, you will:

Demonstrate the confidence and capability to lead shifts, including weekends and weekdays as required.
Have a strong understanding of (or working knowledge of) Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
Be flexible and committed to participating in a sleep-in rota to meet the needs of the home.
Hold a full UK driving licence.
Be working towards Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Have the right to work in the UK, with a minimum of 12 months remaining.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Sleep-in rate: £65 per sleep.
Qualifications: Opportunities for fully funded qualifications in Level 4/5 Residential Childcare.
Financial Benefits: Company pension scheme, Early On Demand Pay, and a refer-a-friend bonus of up to £1,000*.
Perks: Blue Light Discount package.
Growth: Career development pathways and comprehensive training.
Recognition: Staff recognition and appreciation schemes.

Additional Information

Inclusion: We believe in building teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Equal opportunities are at the heart of everything we do.
Safeguarding: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings must be declared, subject to DBS filtering rules. The position is subject to enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive vetting procedures in line with safer recruitment standards.

Children's Residential Care Team Leader