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Athena homes are designed to feel like real family homes – safe, well-maintained and welcoming. Your role is critical in ensuring the environment supports this vision every day.

As a Handyperson, you will:

Maintain the safety, security and upkeep of the home
Carry out repairs, maintenance and basic improvements
Ensure indoor and outdoor areas are safe, tidy and well-presented
Support compliance with health, safety and building requirements

About the role

You will:

Undertake routine maintenance, repairs and basic decorating
Maintain outdoor spaces, gardens and surrounding areas
Support contractor access and oversee works when required
Carry out regular safety checks (e.g. fire, water, equipment)
Ensure the home remains safe, compliant and well maintained
Understand safeguarding, and always act within the best interested of the protection and experiences for children, and the aims of the home

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for someone practical, dependable and proactive.

You may have:

Experience in general maintenance or facilities work
Basic knowledge of health & safety and compliance requirements
Ability to work independently and manage priorities
A respectful and child-centred approach

Most importantly, you will take pride in creating and maintaining a safe environment for children.

Why Kent County Council?

Competitive salary and benefits
Pension and generous annual leave
Training and development opportunities
A meaningful role with real impact

Location

Sittingbourne – Athena Children’s Home

Ready to help build something extraordinary?

Apply now and play a key role in creating a safe, high-quality home for children.

Closing date: 26th July 2026

Shortlisting: 27th July 2026

Selection process: w/c 10th August or 17th August 2026 TBC if shortlisted (2 x half days for interview and selection in Sittingbourne)

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

Important Information About Start Dates

Please note that we are currently planning for successful candidates (following shortlisting, selection, interview and background checks) for the new KCC Sittingbourne service to join us from late September to early October 2026.

These anticipated start dates reflect the planned opening and registration timeline for this exciting brand-new service. We please ask that all candidates consider this expected onboarding period when applying. Further information and questions around the anticipated start dates can be discussed during the recruitment process with relevant applicants.

We are really excited to bring our new Sittingbourne service to life - and to support amazing outcomes for children and young people and would welcome your application.

About you

Ousman Tunkara
Manager- Homewood House
Tel: 03000416323
Email: Ousman.Tunkara@kent.gov.uk

About us

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

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.

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.

Salary range

£26,822 per year