Permanent Relief Children's Support Worker

What will you be doing?

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 4 caring, committed Permanent Relief Children’s Support Workers to help build and deliver high-quality care from the very beginning.

This is your opportunity to be part of something new, meaningful, and genuinely impactful.

Why Athena – and why now?

Our Athena homes are small (up to 2 children in each home), allowing for consistent, relationship-based care built around understanding each child as an individual.

We focus on trauma-informed practice and Positive Behaviour Support — and we invest in our staff to develop these skills.

As a Permanent Relief Children’s Support Worker, you will:

• Be able to work flexibly and support the services needs with relief shifts on an ‘as and when’ basis.
• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Provide day-to-day care and support in a safe and nurturing environment
• Support children to develop skills, confidence and independence
• Be part of a team that values kindness, consistency and reflection
• Be a champion for safeguarding, and positive experiences for children and their outcomes

About the role

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

You will:

• Support children with daily routines, activities and experiences
• Promote emotional wellbeing, stability and positive behaviour
• Contribute to care plans and support individual goals
• Work as part of a team to maintain a safe and supportive home
• Record and share information to support high-quality care

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for people with the right values, attitude and passion to make a difference.

You may have:

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable people
• Experience in care, education, youth work or similar environments
• Knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and safeguarding practice
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Patience, resilience and a calm, consistent approach
• An interest in Positive Behaviour Support (training and ongoing support and development provided)

However, experience is not everything — we are equally interested in people who bring compassion, commitment and a willingness to learn. We will provide training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

Why Kent County Council?

• Competitive salary with enhancements where applicable (e.g. sleep-ins)
• Pension and generous annual leave
• Full training and development pathway
• Support from experienced leaders and behaviour specialists
• A genuinely supportive, values-led working environment

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 change lives?

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

Important Information

Closing date: 13th September 206

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.

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.

About you

For further information regarding this role please contact:

Damien Ellis - Assistant Director

Email: [email removed]

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.