Senior Support Worker - KCC Athena Children’s Home

Role Responsibility

Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential Services
4 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 Ashford.
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 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:
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.
Ready to make a real difference?
Apply now and help create a home where children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
Closing date: 13th September 2026
Important Information
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient suitable applications be received, therefore early application is encouraged.
KCC, under Project Athena, is developing a number of children's homes across Kent. Candidates who are assessed as appointable at selection may be considered for similar opportunities at other Athena locations, subject to their agreement and location preferences.
Shortlisting: Week Commencing 14th September 2026
Selection process: Will take place between 1st October 2026 to 16th October 2026 - if shortlisted candidates will need to attend 2 x half days for interview and selection in Ashford.
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 Ashford service to join us from December 2026/January 2027 TBC.
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 Ashford service to life - and to support amazing outcomes for children and young people and would welcome your application.

Contact Details

For further information on this role, please contact Damien Ellis - Assistant Director
Email: damien.ellis@kent.gov.uk

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

Children’s Senior Support Worker - Job Description.pdf