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Deputy Manager – KCC Athena Children’s Home

Sittingbourne, Kent
Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential Services
Position: 37 hours (FT)

Be part of building something that truly matters.

Kent County Council is opening a brand-new, small, high-quality children’s home in Sittingbourne as part of Project Athena – a flagship programme designed to transform how we support children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural and/or neurodiverse needs.

We are looking for an ambitious and values-driven Deputy Manager to work alongside the Registered Manager and help shape and lead the home from the very beginning.

This is not a standard Deputy role — this is an opportunity to help build a home, a team and a culture from the ground up.

Why Athena – and why now?

Our Athena homes are intentionally small (up to 2 children in each home), delivering relationship-based, trauma-informed care supported by Positive Behaviour Support.

As Deputy Manager, you will play a central role in translating vision into practice – supporting both the team and the children to thrive.

As a Deputy Manager, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager in establishing and leading the home
• Help recruit, develop and support a values-driven staff team
• Lead practice, modelling high-quality care and relational approaches
• Help create a safe, calm and nurturing environment for children
• Be a champion for safeguarding, and positive experiences for children and their outcomes

About the role

This is a hands-on leadership role, with significant influence on the culture and quality of the home.

You will:

• Support day-to-day operational management of the home
• Lead shifts and provide practice oversight
• Contribute to care planning, risk management and positive outcomes
• Support compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Ofsted standards
• Build strong relationships with professionals, families and partners
• Step into leadership responsibility in the absence of the Registered Manager

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for confident, reflective practitioners ready for the next step.

You may have:

• Experience as a Senior in a children’s residential setting, or similar
• Knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and safeguarding practice
• Experience supporting or leading others in care settings
• A strong values base, with a child-centred and trauma-informed approach
• An interest in Positive Behaviour Support (training and ongoing support and development provided)

Equally, we are keen to hear from people with the right mindset, leadership potential and commitment — we will invest in your development.

Why Kent County Council?

• Competitive salary and local government benefits
• Pension, generous annual leave and flexible working where possible
• Strong professional support, including behaviour practitioners
• Clear development pathway into Registered Manager roles
• The opportunity to shape a brand new service from day one

Location

Sittingbourne – Athena Children’s Home

Ready to help lead something extraordinary?

Apply now and play a key role in creating a home that delivers outstanding care and outcomes for children and young people.

Closing date: 26th July 2026
Selection process: w/c 3rd August or 10th August 2026 TBC if shortlisted (2 x half days for interview and selection in Sittingbourne)

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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.

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

For further information, please contact ousman.tunkara@kent.gov.uk or 03000416323

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.