Team Leaders play a vital role in Northern Healthcare services. Acting as the link between Support Workers and Service Managers, they keep everything running smoothly while ensuring the highest quality of care for the people we support. They lead from the front, making sure their team feels supported, informed, and confident, while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture, from operational checks to person-centred planning.

It’s a role that requires balance: being hands-on with the day-to-day, while also planning ahead and making sure the service is ready for whatever comes next. Team Leaders not only help their teams deliver outstanding care, but they also nurture their growth, building a strong and confident workforce.

"Team Leaders are part of the management structure, which will enable them to gain skills for a Deputy Service Manager or a Service Manager role. Through this, Support Workers will learn from Team Leaders and develop skills to become Team Leaders themselves.

Team leaders are the Service Manager’s eyes and ears. Team Leaders lead by knowledge which aids positive outcomes that can be measured as a goal from the people we support and Support Worker’s journeys.” - Lois Wild, Service Manager, Moss Lodge

Today, we’re joining Kelly Yearn, Team Leader at Moss Lodge in Rochdale, to see what a typical day looks like in her role, though as Kelly will tell you, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day in this job.

Starting the Day

No two days at Moss Lodge are ever the same, and that’s exactly what I love about my role as Team Leader. From making sure everything behind the scenes runs like clockwork to supporting my team and helping the people we support reach their goals, each day is full, varied, and meaningful. My foundational aim is to keep our service running with care, consistency, and purpose.

Morning Handover and Safety Huddle

I start my day by catching up with the night team. This handover is more than a formality, it’s our chance to review updates, incidents, and any changes in well-being for the people we support. It sets the tone and priorities for the day.

Once the diary is reviewed, I allocate staff to their daily tasks. Then it’s time for our Safety Huddle, a quick but essential meeting where we run through appointments, planned activities, and any clinical or behavioural observations that need extra attention. It’s also a moment to check in with staff one-to-one if needed, so they start their shift feeling informed and confident.

Leading from the Front

As Team Leader, I’m here to set the tone. That means staying approachable and available, whether someone needs help de-escalating a situation, advice on documentation, or just a listening ear. I try to lead by example: staying calm under pressure, keeping proactive, and focusing on delivering high-quality care. 

I mentor newer team members, review practice on the floor, and give constructive feedback, all with our PROUD (Positive, Respectful, Open & Honest, Understanding, Dedicated) values in mind. A big part of my role is making sure everyone feels supported to grow in confidence and skills.

Person-Centred Planning

One of my main responsibilities is writing and updating care plans and risk assessments. I regularly review each plan, so that they reflect any changes, whether that’s a new support strategy, emerging behaviours, or shifts in someone’s personal goals. I keep an eye on potential transitions or assessments so we’re always ready.

Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Behind the scenes, there’s a lot to juggle. Staff rotas, medication rounds, safety audits, new starter inductions, activity planning, all the operational nuts and bolts that keep a service running well.

I make sure we’re compliant with policies and regulations, keep the environment safe and welcoming, and handle incident reporting through our Titan system. If needed, I escalate concerns, including safeguarding referrals.

There’s also the practical side, liaising with maintenance, ordering supplies, sorting finances, and making sure everything still ticks along when my Service Manager is away.

Working with External Professionals

As a Team Leader, collaboration is so important. I work closely with care coordinators, mental health teams, and other professionals so the people we support get consistent, joined-up care. Clear communication builds trust and helps ensure the best outcomes.

Wrapping Up the Day

Before heading home, I take time to reflect: what went well, what needs improvement, and what tomorrow’s priorities should be. Sometimes that means updating documents, tweaking a support strategy, or just making sure praise is given where it’s due.

Finally, I hand over to the evening team so they’ve got everything they need for a smooth shift.

Why I Love It

There are so many great ways I can answer this, but I’m just proud to work in a place where everyone is so committed to compassionate, high-quality support. Seeing someone progress, feel safe, or simply smile because of the environment we’ve created makes every day worthwhile.

We are always looking for great talent to join our team here at Northern Healthcare. Find out more about working for Northern Healthcare and view our current vacancies here.