At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide high-quality care to children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Kent County Council's innovative Athena Children's Home team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and structured training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and invests in your development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping a new home culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and young people; commitment to values and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Be part of building something that truly matters. We are looking for passionate and skilled Permanent Relief Senior Children’s Support Workers to help shape and deliver care in our new Athena home in Sittingbourne. You will be required to work on an ‘as and when required’ basis, dependent on the needs of the home. This is not a “business as usual” role – this is an opportunity to be part of building a home from the beginning and shaping its culture, practice and outcomes.
Why Athena – and why now? Athena homes provide high-quality, relationship-based care in a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment, supported by Positive Behaviour Support.
As a Permanent Relief Senior Children’s Support Worker, you will:
- Lead shifts and support the day-to-day running of the home
- Provide high-quality care and support to children
- Role model best practice and support less experienced staff
- Contribute to a positive, safe and nurturing environment
- Be a champion for safeguarding, and positive experiences for children and their outcomes
About the role:
You will:
- Be able to work flexibly and support the services needs with relief shifts on an ‘as and when’ basis.
- Lead shifts and support safe staffing and continuity of care
- Support assessment, care planning and delivery
- Promote children’s rights, voice and individual needs
- Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and safeguarding
- Maintain accurate records and work closely with professionals
Who we’re looking for:
We are looking for committed, values-led practitioners. You may have:
- Experience working with children and young people
- Experience in residential care or similar settings
- Knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and safeguarding practice
- Knowledge of trauma-informed or PBS approaches (training and ongoing support and development provided)
- Experience leading shifts or supporting others
Equally, we welcome individuals with the right values, resilience and commitment – we will invest in your development.
Why Kent County Council?
- Competitive salary including enhancements (e.g. sleep-ins/on-call where applicable)
- Pension and generous leave
- Structured training and progression opportunities
- Strong professional support, including behaviour specialists
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Permanent Relief Senior Children's Support Worker - KCC Athena Children’s Home in Sittingbourne employer: Kent County Council
As a KPAS Attendance Officer with Kent County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving school attendance for children and young people across West Kent. The Council fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with various stakeholders while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Permanent Relief Senior Children's Support Worker - KCC Athena Children’s Home in Sittingbourne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kent County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kent County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kent County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kent County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Permanent Relief Senior Children's Support Worker - KCC Athena Children’s Home in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
