Domestic Assistant

Role Responsibility

Be part of something that truly matters.
Kent County Council's Children’s In‑House Residential Services are opening a brand-new, small, high-quality children’s home in Ashford 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 a dedicated Domestic Assistant to help create and maintain a warm, clean and welcoming home environment where children can feel safe, comfortable and cared for. We have 1 position available for 18.5 hours per week (Permanent Part Time).
Why Athena – and why now?
Our Athena homes are intentionally small (2 children), providing relationship-based, trauma-informed support built around stability, consistency and positive behaviour support.
Creating the right environment isn’t just about care – it’s about the whole home feeling safe, calm and lived in. Your role is central to this.
As a Domestic Assistant, you will:
Help create a clean, safe and welcoming home environment
Carry out daily cleaning across all areas of the home
Support laundry and household routines to a high standard
Assist with general domestic tasks and kitchen support
Ensure hygiene and safety standards are consistently maintained
Understand safeguarding, and always act within the best interested of the protection and experiences for children, and the aims of the home
About the role
This is an important role within the home, ensuring that children live in an environment that feels like a home, not an institution.
You will:
Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home
Support day-to-day domestic routines to keep the home running smoothly
Use equipment safely and in line with health and safety standards
Work flexibly as part of a wider team focused on children’s wellbeing
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for people who care about creating a nurturing environment.
You may have:
Experience in cleaning or housekeeping
An understanding of hygiene and health & safety standards
A respectful, compassionate and reliable approach
A willingness to learn and be part of a supportive team
Most importantly, you will bring the right values, attitude and pride in your work.
Why Kent County Council?
Competitive salary and local government benefits
Pension, generous annual leave and flexible working where possible
Training and ongoing support
The opportunity to be part of something new and meaningful
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.
Location
Ashford – Athena Children’s Home
Ready to be part of something special?
Apply now and help create a home that supports children to feel safe, valued and cared for.
Important Information
Closing date: 13
th
September 2026
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 14
th
September 2026
Selection process:
Will take place between 1
st
October 2026 to 16
th
October 2026 - if shortlisted candidates will need to attend 2 x half days for interview and selection in Ashford.
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

Contact Details
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

Domestic Assistant JD.pdf