Job Introduction
(Deputy Manager - Parklands) (Ref: CSC/26/748/CD)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Children’s Services
Salary: Range MPR6 Level A (£45,795per annum)
Job Status: Full Time Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Fixed – Permanently office based at Parklands
Subject to BPSS Checks: No
Closing Date: 7th September 2026
We are seeking a Deputy Manager to join Parklands our Ofsted ‘Good’ rated our Short Breaks Children’s Home for children with disabilities, autism, and complex needs in Medway. This includes overnight accommodation. Parklands is a large spacious home recently renovated that can accommodate up to 5 young people. You will be part of a wider Childrens Commissioning service meaning you will develop wider skills and be part of the extended management team
You will assist the Registered Manager in managing the day-to-day operations of the staff, ensuring the home is operated to the highest possible standard ensuring the children’s needs are met in accordance with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
You must have up to date knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance, Ofsted regulations, Inspection Frameworks, Quality Standards and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, together with experience of working in a residential setting. We are looking for a positive forward thinking candidate that has experience in working and embedding a positive, safe and supportive culture
You will be expected to be part of an on-call rota and available on occasions to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Essential Qualifications
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent qualification
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards
- GCSE in Maths and English - minimum of Grade 5 or equivalent
Essential Experience
- Previous management experience in a provision which supports disabled children and their families.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience of direct working within a children's residential setting.
- Experience of developing partnership working with other professionals, liaising with other service providers and outside partner agencies including Ofsted.
- Able to demonstrate knowledge and/or experience of equalities and diversity issues.
The successful post holder will be subject to an enhanced Children's DBS check.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Elisha Kemsley, Registered Manager on 01634 332120.
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
Level A
Parklands are seeking a Deputy Manager to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information-
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
- Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
