We're seeking a confident, trauma-informed Team Leader to join a specialist children's home in rural Uckfield, supporting young people with complex emotional and mental health needs, including high-risk behaviours. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll work closely with young people aged 11-18 who have experienced significant trauma. You'll also play a key role in guiding and mentoring a team of support workers to deliver consistent, therapeutic care in a safe, regulated environment. This is not just another shift-lead role - it's a real opportunity to influence outcomes, develop your clinical leadership, and help shape a psychologically safe environment for some of the most vulnerable young people in the care system. The Young People You'll Support May Present With:

• Ligature risks and other forms of self-harm
• Suicidal ideation, low mood, dissociation, and crisis episodes
• CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) histories and associated behaviours
• Sexualised behaviour, boundary testing and trauma responses
• Drug misuse, overdose attempts, and erratic or aggressive behaviour
• Neurodiversity, PTSD, attachment disorder, and emotional dysregulation
Your Role as Team Leader
• Lead by example in providing outstanding day-to-day care
• Mentor and support a team of support workers on shift
• Contribute to therapeutic planning and behaviour support strategies
• Act as a safeguarding lead during shifts and ensure all incidents are recorded appropriately
• Monitor and drive compliance with care plans, risk assessments, and regulatory expectations
• Support the Registered Manager in audits, rota management, and handovers
• Build strong working relationships with social workers, education providers, and CAMHS professionals
• Maintain a calm, structured, and emotionally safe environment for staff and young people alike, Salary up to 20% above market average, with clear progression to Deputy and beyond
• Private healthcare, 24/7 GP access, and monthly gym allowance
• 36 days of face-to-face training per year, plus specialist trauma and mental health CPD
• Fully funded Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
• Bonus scheme, pension, and internal promotion focus
• A psychologically informed service with senior management who walk the floor and invest in their staff
  
  Minimum 2 years' experience in a children's residential care setting
• Previous experience in a senior or team leader role (or ready to step into one confidently)
• Background in working with EBD, mental health, or secure/forensic settings
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or CYPW) - essential
• Level 5 (or willingness to work toward it - fully funded)
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma responses, and regulatory expectations
• Resilience, emotional intelligence, and natural leadership ability
• Full UK driving licence - essential due to rural location