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Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential Services
2 Positions: Permanent Relief - Senior Children’s Support Worker

Be part of building something that truly matters.

We are looking for passionate and skilled Permanent ReliefSenior 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/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.

Location

Sittingbourne – Athena Children’s Home

Ready to make a real difference?

Apply now and help create a home where children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

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)

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.