Residential Support Worker - Parklands (Short Breaks/Respite)

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. As a Residential Support Worker, you will work directly with children and young people, delivering personal, health, social and domestic care in line with individual care plans.

This is a varied, hands-on role within a specialist setting. You will be part of a team supporting young people and their families by providing high-quality short break care in a safe and nurturing environment.

This role includes:

• Providing personal care and health support in accordance with each young person's individual care plan
• Delivering social and domestic care that meets the diverse needs of children and young people with disabilities
• Working in partnership with families and other professionals to promote each young person's wellbeing
• Supporting young people with activities and daily routines during their short break stays
• Driving or accompanying young people in a minibus as required

You will work various shifts on a flexible four-week rota pattern, covering evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and waking nights. The role is full-time at 37 hours per week.

Click Apply Now to submit your application via the Medway Council jobs portal. If you have not been contacted within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not progressed to shortlisting. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment, will usually be sent by email.

About You

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and resilient, with a genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of children and young people with disabilities and complex needs. You will be comfortable working in a demanding and varied environment, and able to maintain a consistent, caring approach across different shift patterns.

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 it (fully funded)
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to undertake training to drive a minibus
• Be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills required at Level A of the Career Progression Framework (CPF), as detailed in the job profile

This post is subject to an enhanced Children's DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship; candidates must already have the right to work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to provide a British passport, a UK Residence Permit, or an equivalent legal document confirming your right to work.

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Medway's Offer to You

Medway Council has introduced Career Progression Frameworks (CPFs) for all roles. These frameworks give you the opportunity to take ownership of your development within your post and be rewarded accordingly. You will be supported through induction, probation, and a structured Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation, with a clear pathway from Level A through to Level B and Level C as your competence and experience grow.

Working at Medway Council means joining a unitary authority serving a quarter of a million people across Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham, and the surrounding area — with excellent transport links to London and plenty of green spaces nearby. Benefits include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local government pension scheme
• Access to wider training and development qualifications, including fully funded Level 3 study
• Travel plan discounts
• CAREFIRST advice and counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• And more, including support available through the Mindful Employer charter for those with mental health needs