Role Responsibility

We are pleased to announce that an exciting opportunity has become available within the 18+ Accommodation Team. The role sits within the Kent Supported Homes Service and works closely alongside the Team Manager and Accommodation Officers to support the recruitment, assessment, approval, training and ongoing development of Kent Supported Homes Hosts. The role is full-time, 37 hours per week.
A significant part of the role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments of prospective hosts, including kinship arrangements. You will be responsible for conducting visits, gathering and analysing information, assessing suitability and risk, and completing detailed assessment reports which inform recommendations regarding approval. Sound judgement, professional curiosity and a strong understanding of safeguarding are therefore essential.
You will also coordinate and deliver training for prospective and approved hosts, contribute to the development of training materials and provide ongoing guidance and support to help hosts understand safeguarding responsibilities, professional boundaries and Supported Accommodation standards. Experience of delivering training, facilitating groups or presenting information to others would therefore be advantageous.
The role includes preparing and presenting applicants to Fostering Panel, requiring excellent written communication, analytical skills and the confidence to present information and recommendations in a professional manner. You will need to be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively within agreed timescales.
Alongside assessment and training responsibilities, you will contribute to recruitment campaigns, information events and service development activities, helping to grow and strengthen the Kent Supported Homes Service. You will work collaboratively with social workers, accommodation staff, panel members and other professionals to promote positive outcomes for young people.
A broad knowledge of the needs of care experienced young people, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and the legislation and regulations affecting Supported Accommodation is required.
The role offers flexibility to meet both the demands of the service and support staff to achieve a positive work-life balance. An adaptable approach and the ability to travel across Kent, and occasionally outside of Kent where required, is essential.
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 for this position is Friday 14th August, 2026

Contact Details

For an informal discussion about the post please contact 18+ Accommodation Team Manager, Seb Blythe.
sebastian.blythe@kent.gov.uk
or 03000 422918

About the Company

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.

Job Description & Person Specification

Kent Supported Homes Recruitment and Training Officer JD