Team Leader – Residential Children's Care

Starting from £35,000 per annum | Preston, Lancashire | 2 Days On / 4 Days Off Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a lasting difference?

Springboard Care Services is growing fast — and we're looking for passionate Team Leaders to grow with us. This is more than a job. It's a career-defining opportunity to shape the lives of young people and lead a team you're proud of, in a company that genuinely invests in its people. About Springboard Care Services We are a dedicated and rapidly expanding provider of exceptional residential care and support to young people across Preston and the wider North West.

Our mission is simple: to create safe, nurturing homes where children and young people can thrive.

Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience from the care and education sectors. We've built Springboard on a foundation of quality, compassion, and ambition — and as we open new homes and expand our services, we are actively building the next generation of care leaders from within. The Opportunity As Team Leader, you'll play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of one of our children's residential homes in Preston.

You'll lead, support, and inspire a team of Residential Care Workers, ensuring every young person in your care receives a consistently high standard of support, safety, and nurturing.

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You'll be a role model for your team, a trusted figure for the young people in your care, and a key voice in shaping the culture of your home. What You'll Be Doing Leading the day-to-day operations of the home during your shift, maintaining the highest standards of care.

Line managing, supporting, and motivating a team of Residential Care Workers. Building meaningful, consistent relationships with the young people in your care. Contributing to care plans, risk assessments, and the ongoing development of each young person. Acting as a positive role model and mentor — both to young people and to your team. Working a rewarding shift pattern of 2 days on and 4 days off — giving you genuine work-life balance.

What We're Looking For We're looking for people with heart, resilience, and the ambition to lead. You might already be a Team Leader ready for a fresh challenge, or an experienced Residential Care Worker who is ready to step up. Either way, we'll back you all the way. Essential Existing Team Leader experience, or an ambitious and experienced Residential Care Worker ready to step into leadership.

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent). Strong working knowledge of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding legislation. Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills. Flexibility to work the 2-days-on / 4-days-off shift pattern. NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare — or willingness to work towards it (fully supported by us). Physical Intervention & De-escalation Training We take the safety of our young people and our staff seriously.

Full, accredited training in physical intervention and de-escalation techniques is provided to all Team Leaders. You do not need to arrive with this certification — we will train you to a high standard from day one, with regular refresher courses to keep your skills sharp and your confidence high.

Our approach always prioritises de-escalation, and physical intervention is only ever a last resort. You'll be fully equipped, supported, and never left to manage challenging situations alone.

What We Offer A package designed to attract and retain the best people in the sector:
Starting salary of £35,000 per annum, rising with experience and progression Genuine career progression in a growing company — from Team Leader to Deputy Manager to Registered Manager Full funding and support for NVQ Level 5 in Leadership & Management Fully funded and accredited physical intervention & de-escalation training Excellent work-life balance: 2 days on, 4 days off shift pattern Referral bonus programme Company pension scheme A supportive, collaborative working culture where your wellbeing matters A real voice in how your home is run — we value ideas from our team leaders…