Overview
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. Athena homes provide high-quality, relationship-based care in a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment, supported by Positive Behaviour Support.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Be able to work flexibly and support the services’ needs with relief shifts on an 'as and when' basis
- 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
About the role
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer‑facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
- 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
Work that works for you and us
let's talk flexibility!
Equal Opportunities
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.
Application
Please note – if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Relief Children's Support Worker in Sittingbourne employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
