Senior Support Lead - Children's Residential Care Home - Caramel Talent Limited : Job Details

Senior Support Lead

• Salary: £31,720, Including sleep shifts, Additional £6480 (included) for Sleep-ins
• Hourly Rate: £15.25
• Hours: 40 Hours
• Sleep ins: £60 average 9 sleep-ins per month ( 1-3 sleep-ins per week on a rolling basis)
• Contract Type: Full-time
• Location: Ashford, Kent
• Reports To: Deputy Manager/Registered Manager

All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check which the cost will be covered by nurturing Nests.

About Nurturing Nests

Nurturing Nests is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for children in need. Our mission is to empower young lives through compassionate care, guidance, and stability, ensuring they have the tools to build a brighter future. We work closely with social services, educators, and families to foster resilience and growth in every child we support.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered. We are committed to fostering resilience, personal growth, and long-term stability through dedicated support, innovative programs, and a child-centered approach.

Role Overview

As a Senior Support Lead, you will play a critical role in overseeing the daily operations of our care services, ensuring high-quality support for children in our residential settings. You will lead a team of support workers, foster a positive and structured environment, and collaborate with key stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and support a team of care professionals, ensuring they deliver exceptional child-centered care.
• Child Welfare & Safeguarding: Oversee the safety and well-being of children, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and regulatory requirements.
• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day care operations, ensuring smooth coordination and adherence to best practices.
• Care Planning & Development: Collaborate with social workers and therapists to create and implement personalised care plans that foster emotional and developmental growth.
• Crisis Management: Respond effectively to incidents and challenging behaviors, using trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate situations and ensure a safe environment.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Maintain up-to-date records, adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements, and continuously strive for service improvement.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a leadership role within children’s residential care or a related field.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding policies, trauma-informed care, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• A commitment to promoting a child-centered and inclusive care environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children’s Residential Care, Social Work, or a related field (Level 5 preferred).
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
• First Aid and Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete training upon hiring).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real impact in children's lives.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to lead and inspire a dedicated team in a fulfilling role.

If you are a compassionate leader with a passion for child welfare, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to be a part of the Nurturing Nests team!