Team Leader

Connected Local Government; North East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in County Durham is seeking Team Leaders for children's homes. Responsibilities include leading shifts, ensuring high-quality care for children and young people, and supervising staff. Candidates must have a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and significant experience in this field. The role offers diverse shifts, a competitive salary, and numerous benefits, such as holiday entitlement and training opportunities. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required before employment.

Benefits

27 days holiday

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Portal

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working in residential childcare.
• Ability to engage effectively with young people and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage shifts, taking responsibility for decision-making.
• Take a lead role in all aspects of care and support for children and young people.
• Supervise and manage residential staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Report writing

Engagement with young people

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Job description

Team Leaders – Opportunities across County Durham

Salary: £32,597 - £36,363 plus up to £5,000 in paid enhancements.

Location

Children’s homes across County Durham – main, short‑break, long‑break, 16–17 provision, and planned respite care.

Our Values

Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, Mindset – the foundation of our work for young people and staff.

The Role

As part of the management team you will support the Registered Manager to ensure the home runs smoothly by:

• Leading and managing shifts, taking responsibility for decision‑making
• Taking a lead role in all aspects of care and support for children and young people
• Key responsibility for recording, monitoring, and reviewing documentation
• Supervising and managing residential staff

What you will need

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification)
• Significant experience of working in residential childcare
• Strong leadership, communication and report‑writing skills
• Ability to engage effectively with young people and professionals

Our offer to you

The role involves a range of shifts – weekdays, evenings, weekends, sleep‑in duties. Shift‐based roles work on a rota basis and attract enhanced payments.

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support your development.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 5 years of continuous local government service
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year
• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme with top‑up options
• Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications and mentoring
• Employee Benefits Portal with discounts at major retailers
• Discounted gym membership
• Staff‑led networks (Race Equality, LGBT+, Carers, Armed Forces, Menopause)
• Trade Union membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes, such as car leasing

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are a proud equal opportunities employer. Applications from disabled people are encouraged throughout the recruitment process.

Eligibility

Applicants must be aged 22+. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is applicable.

How to apply

Please submit an online application via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to demonstrate how you meet essential and desirable criteria.

For guidance on completing your application, visit the website.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 or via email [e-mail].

Contact

Nicole Spoors – [e-mail] Hannah Topping – [e-mail]

Interviews are anticipated to be held week commencing 9 February 2026.

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