Shift Leader

Shift Leader - Children's Residential Services

Location: Waltham Cross

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £31,200 – £32,200 per year

Shifts: Days, evenings, weekends and sleep-ins

Step Up and Lead in Therapeutic Residential Childcare

Are you an experienced Residential Childcare Practitioner looking to progress into a Senior Support Worker or Team Leader role?

We are recruiting a Senior Residential Childcare Practitioner / Shift Leader to join our Ofsted-regulated therapeutic children's home in Cheshunt.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your leadership skills in a trauma-informed residential environment, leading shifts, supporting staff and helping young people aged 10–17 with emotional and behavioural needs to achieve stability, growth and positive outcomes.

If you are passionate about high-quality residential childcare, confident in leading others and motivated to make a genuine difference, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

Why Join Us

Lead with Purpose

Take responsibility for shift leadership, team guidance and the delivery of consistent, child-centred and therapeutic care.

Make a Real Impact

Every shift you lead contributes directly to young people's recovery, resilience, independence and brighter futures.

Supportive, Values-Driven Culture

Work within a reflective, collaborative team that values supervision, wellbeing and continuous professional development.

Balanced and Structured Working Pattern

Enjoy a predictable rota including day, evening, weekend and sleep-in shifts to support work–life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support for Young People

• Build strong, therapeutic relationships as a consistent key adult
• Support daily routines including meals, education, activities, family contact and appointments
• Use trauma-informed approaches to promote stability, trust and self-esteem
• Monitor emotional wellbeing, behaviour and progress in line with placement plans
• Liaise effectively with families, professionals and external agencies

Leadership and Team Support

• Lead 3–4 shifts per week as the senior practitioner on duty
• Deliver handovers, allocate tasks and mentor Residential Support Workers
• Foster a reflective, professional and child-focused team environment

Safeguarding and Behaviour Monitoring

• Respond appropriately to incidents, risks and safeguarding concerns
• Lead debriefs and model calm, trauma-informed responses to challenging situations
• Track and report patterns in safeguarding, behaviour and risk

Operational and Compliance Duties

• Oversee medication, health and safety, and shift documentation
• Audit records such as logs, incidents, care plans and keywork sessions
• Ensure all practice and reporting meet Ofsted-compliant standards

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a children's residential home or similar setting
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or currently working towards)
• Experience leading shifts, mentoring staff or taking on senior responsibilities
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management and trauma-informed care
• Confident, calm and resilient leadership style
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• Full UK driving licence preferred

What You'll Receive

• Salary: £31,200 – £32,200 per year
• Clear progression routes into Deputy Manager and Registered Manager roles
• Comprehensive training in therapeutic care, trauma-informed practice and leadership
• Supportive management structure with regular supervision and CPD
• Inclusive, values-led culture where staff are respected, supported and developed
• The genuine reward of helping young people achieve safety, stability and success

Apply Today

If you are ready to take the next step into leadership, are committed to delivering exceptional residential childcare and want to make a lasting difference to young people's lives, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV to be considered for the Senior Support Worker / Shift Leader role in Cheshunt.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £15.00-£15.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Referral programme

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)
• DBS Certificate registered to the Update Service (preferred)
• NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare (preferred)

Work Location: In person