Residential Support Worker – Parklands

About the role

Parklands is a residential respite unit providing short breaks for young people aged 5 to 18 who have disabilities and complex health needs. This role involves working directly with children and young people, delivering personal, health, social and domestic care in accordance with individual care plans.

You will be part of a team supporting young people through their short breaks, ensuring their care needs are met safely and with consistency. The role calls for adaptability across a wide range of care tasks and a commitment to following each young person's plan.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care in line with individual care plans
• Supporting young people's health and social care needs
• Contributing to domestic care within the home environment
• Working alongside colleagues to maintain safe, consistent care across all shifts

You will work various shifts on a flexible four-week rota pattern, covering evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and waking nights. Candidates should be comfortable with this pattern before applying.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Elisha Kemsley, Registered Manager, on 01634 332120. To apply, click Apply Now via the Medway Council jobs portal.

About You

Parklands is looking for people who are highly motivated and resilient, with a genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of children and young people with disabilities. This is an entry-level appointment within Medway Council's Career Progression Framework (CPF), and full support will be provided through induction, probation, and ongoing performance and development conversations.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a GCSE or equivalent qualification in English and Maths
• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or be willing to work towards one (fully funded by the council)
• Demonstrate good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Hold a full driving licence and be willing to undertake training to drive a minibus
• Be able to demonstrate all Level A criteria set out in the role's Career Progression Framework, which will be assessed at application and interview

Medway Council is committed to supporting employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues, and puts good practices in place to ensure the right level of support is received. Applications are welcomed from candidates across all backgrounds.

The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Children's DBS check. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to provide a British passport, UK Residence Permit, or equivalent legal document confirming your right to work in the UK. Medway Council is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Medway Council's Offer to You

Medway Council has introduced Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) across all roles, giving employees a clear mechanism to take ownership of their development and be rewarded for it. Starting at Level A, there is a structured pathway to progress to Level B and then Level C as competence and experience grow, with salary increases linked to each level.

Through induction, you will be introduced to the CPF and supported to identify your strengths and development areas from the outset. A supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation process is in place to guide your progression.

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, fully funded
• Structured career progression through CPF Levels A, B, and C
• Induction, probation support, and ongoing development conversations
• Mindful Employer signatory, with support for mental health in the workplace
• Further benefits detailed in the Medway Information Pack, available on request