Permanent Relief Senior Children's Support Worker

Role Responsibility

We are looking for passionate and skilled Permanent Relief
Senior Children’s Support Workers to help shape and deliver care in our new Athena home in Ashford. 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
Ashford – Athena Children’s Home
Ready to make a real difference?
Apply now and help create a home w
here ch
ildren feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
Closing date: 13
th
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.
Unfortunately, these posts are not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK.
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.
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 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

Job description