At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shifts and provide high-quality care to children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and structured training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with strong professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape a new home and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, knowledge of safeguarding, and a commitment to learning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential Services
Position: 30 hours per week (Permanent Part Time)
Be part of building something that truly matters. We are looking for passionate and skilled Senior Children’s Support Workers to help shape and deliver care in our new Athena home in Sittingbourne. 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.
About the role
In this role 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
- 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
- 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
- Commitment, values-led approach, resilience and a willingness to learn
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
Eligibility & Legal Requirements
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/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Closing date 26th July 2026
Shortlisting 27th July 2026
Selection process Week commencing 10th August or 17th August 2026 (TBC if shortlisted) – 2 half‑day interview and selection sessions in Sittingbourne. Please note – if you are interested, please apply soon as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Equal opportunity statement 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.
