Deputy Manager - Eden House

About the role

Eden House is a Ofsted-rated "Good in all areas" children's home set in an acre of grounds on the edge of Upnor, registered as a "place called home" for up to five children aged 11 to 17 with behavioural and emotional difficulties. This permanent Deputy Manager role works alongside the Registered Manager to lead a staff team and ensure the highest level of care is provided to the children living there.

Inspectors described Eden House as having a "highly skilled positive team where all the children are happy, safe and making progress." You will be part of the wider Children's Commissioning team, giving you a broad range of support and opportunities beyond the home itself.

This role includes:

• Motivating and leading the staff team alongside the Registered Manager and wider management
• Supervising and managing staff in their care roles
• Supporting the delivery of consistently high standards of care for children with behavioural and emotional difficulties
• Accessing a range of training and development opportunities to support your own progression
• Contributing to the positive culture that has earned Eden House its "Good" Ofsted rating across all areas

Shortlisting will take place on 27 July 2026. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jessie Hammell on 01634 338531. Apply via the Medway Council jobs portal. Please note that Medway Council is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship; candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

About You

This role suits an experienced residential childcare professional who is ready to take on a leadership position within a well-regarded, stable team. You will bring supervisory or management experience gained in a care setting, and the commitment to develop further within a structured framework.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 in Residential Childcare
• Be committed to attaining the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
• Have proven experience of supervising and managing staff working in a care role
• Have significant experience of working in a residential children's home
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes

Medway Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list. Candidates must be able to demonstrate all Level A criteria of the Career Progression Framework (CPF) as these are essential for appointment.

Medway's Offer to You

Eden House is an established, Ofsted-rated "Good" home with a highly skilled team and a strong, positive culture. Joining as Deputy Manager means stepping into a setting where children are happy, safe, and making progress — and where the staff around you are described by inspectors in those same terms.

Medway Council has introduced Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) across all roles, giving you a clear, structured route to develop within your post and be rewarded as you do. Entry to this role is at Level A, with supported progression to Level B and then Level C as your knowledge, skills, and experience develop. You will be supported through induction, probation, and a Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation process.

• Access to a range of training and development opportunities
• Support towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
• Structured career progression through the CPF at Level A, B, and C
• Part of the wider Children's Commissioning team, with broader support and opportunities
• Mindful Employer signatory, with a commitment to supporting employees and applicants who declare mental health issues