Deputy Manager - Parklands Short Breaks

About the role

Parklands is Medway Council's Ofsted 'Good' rated short breaks home for children with disabilities, autism, and complex needs, providing overnight accommodation for up to five young people in a large, recently renovated setting. This Deputy Manager role supports the Registered Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the home, ensuring it runs to the highest possible standard in accordance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

You will be part of a wider Children's Commissioning service, which means you will develop broader skills and sit within an extended management team. The role carries real responsibility for embedding a positive, safe, and supportive culture for both staff and the young people in the home's care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Registered Manager to manage day-to-day staff operations and maintain compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Ensuring children's needs are met to the highest possible standard at all times
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance, Ofsted regulations, and Inspection Frameworks
• Developing and sustaining partnership working with other professionals, service providers, and outside agencies including Ofsted
• Working and embedding a positive, safe, and supportive culture across the home

The role requires participation in an on-call rota, with availability to cover evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as needed.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Elisha Kemsley, Registered Manager, on 01634 332120. To apply, click Apply Now and submit your application via the Medway Council jobs portal before the closing date of 7 September 2026. Please note that Medway Council is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship; candidates must already hold the right to work in the UK.

About You

We are looking for a positive, forward-thinking candidate with a track record in residential childcare management and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of disabled children and their families. You will bring sound knowledge of the regulatory framework governing children's homes and the confidence to lead a team through both day-to-day demands and longer-term development.

Medway Council uses a Career Progression Framework (CPF) for this role. Appointment will be made at Level A, which is the entry point. You will be supported through induction, probation, and a Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation process, with the opportunity to progress to Level B and then Level C as you develop in the role. It is important that your application clearly identifies your suitability against the Level A criteria, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification
• Hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or be willing to work towards it
• Hold a GCSE in Maths and English at a minimum of Grade 5, or an equivalent qualification
• Have previous management experience in a provision supporting disabled children and their families
• Have a minimum of three years' experience of direct working within a children's residential setting
• Have experience of developing partnership working with other professionals and outside agencies, including Ofsted
• Be able to demonstrate knowledge and/or experience of equalities and diversity issues

Medway Council is a Mindful Employer and ensures that employees and applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Children's Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applications from current Medway Council redeployees are prioritised; you will be informed if the post is to be filled by a redeployee.

Medway Council's Offer to You

Parklands holds an Ofsted 'Good' rating, and this role sits within a broader Children's Commissioning service — giving you scope to develop skills beyond the home itself and to contribute to a wider management community. The Career Progression Framework provides a clear, structured pathway from Level A through to Level C, with your development actively supported from day one through induction and ongoing appraisal.

For full details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway Information Pack, available on the jobs portal.