Rockhopper Children's Services

Join a team that makes a real difference

At Rockhopper Children’s Services, we’re more than just caregivers - we’re champions of resilience, growth, and hope. Just like the rockhopper penguin, known for its fierce dedication and teamwork, we stand together to provide unwavering support to the children in our care.

Working with us means becoming part of a close-knit team that values compassion, commitment, and the power of positive change. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the sector, we provide training, development, and opportunities to help you grow in a career that truly matters.

We'd love to hear from you if you’re passionate about making a difference and believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing home.
Job Description for the Post of:

Team Leader

RESPONSIBLE TO: Registered Homes Manager & Deputy Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ Level 3 Working with Young People essential, NVQ5 (to be acquired within agreed time scales)

Responsibilities and Professional Duties

General Care and Support

1. Ensuring effective leadership of the home when on duty, such that it is organised, and managed in a manner that delivers the best possible child care.

2. Ensuring a high standard of care and support is available to each child when on duty and that all child care practices in place meet the requirements of current legislation and the expectations of the inspecting regulatory bodies.

3. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in accordance with the Home’s ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy’, alongside their Individual Care Plans.

4. Maintaining appropriate boundaries within the household and ensuring safe interactions between the children and others, in accordance with the Home’s Management of Behaviour Policy’ and safeguarding their health and safety, in person and on-line.

5. Establishing warm, caring and professional relationships with the children in his / her care.

As part of this, embracing the PACE approach as the foundation of therapeutic support in the household, to effectively communicate and connect with children who may have experienced trauma.

6. Displaying consistently appropriate levels of personal behaviour, which will provide an appropriate model for the children in his / her care.

7. Promoting and ensuring the general health, safety and welfare of the staff and children and ensuring adherence to the Home’s Health and Safety Policy and contributing to the Home’s Risk Assessment programme.

8. Ensuring all the medical needs of the children are catered for and routine appointments and check-ups are maintained.

9. Ensuring that all current legislation is followed in relation to the handling, recording, safekeeping, administering and disposal of medication.

10. Maintaining appropriate liaisons with parents / guardians and outside agencies.

11. Attending meetings of staff and young people under the direction of the Management team.

12. Assisting with the operational and management budgets relevant to residential life with fellow team leaders.

13. Taking a full and active role in the induction, supervision, training and appraisal of the care staff which you hold responsibility for, and in particular working with other senior staff in promoting safe practices in positive handling.

14. Maintaining oversight and providing support to Key Workers of the children, ensuring that Key Workers planning is effective around family time arrangements, Birthdays, Christmas, special events/holidays, Religious beliefs, medical appointments (including routine check ups), Educational Reviews and Parents evenings, Clubs and Hobbies, and that Key Workers are effectively supporting the child’s progress and development.

15. Participating in the recruitment and selection of members of the care team including hosting Care Worker visits and providing feedback to members of the Management Team.

16. Collaborating with the Management Team and Team Teach Instructors in implementing and monitoring relevant aspects of the Home’s Behaviour Management: Policy, Procedures and Guidance.

17. Maintaining detailed records and logs pertaining to the above areas. Ensuring that the child remains the central focus and is involved in their safety planning and goal setting.

18. Participating in preparing and reviewing Placement Plans for each child and ensuring these meet all regulatory guides, and attending Reviews to represent the Home as and when it is appropriate to do so.

19. Providing cover for the role of Deputy Homes Manager from time to time, under the direction of the Management team

20. Undertaking other such duties of an equivalent nature as may be determined from time to time by the Management team.

21. To adhere at all times to the GSCC Codes of Practice.

Training and Development

22. Participating in arrangements for his / her induction, supervision, training and development. Making full use of supervision support to address any issues/challenges that may arise, with a focus on problem solving.

23. Successfully completing all training and qualifications in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements, with specific focus on the impacts of trauma on children and understanding key models and research related to harmful sexual behaviour.

24. An openness and willingness to evaluate and review/reflect on his/her own methods of care and support.

Buildings, Equipment and Facilities

25. Ensuring the fabric of buildings is safeguarded and maintained to high standards.

26. Ensuring equipment is used properly and safely and stored in appropriate ways.

27. Reporting faults and repairs whenever necessary.

Appraisal

28. Participating in your own Appraisal arrangements.

29. Taking an active role in the appraisal process of staff members that you line manage, ensuring these are effectively reviewed at regular intervals every 6 months, and these actively support development of individual staff members