Children's Support Worker - KCC Athena Children’s Home

What will you be doing?Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential ServicesBe part of something that truly matters.Kent County Council is opening a brand-new, small, high-quality children’s home in Sittingbourne 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 caring, committed 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 Children’s Support Worker, you will:Build meaningful, trusting relationships with children and young peopleProvide day-to-day care and support in a safe and nurturing environmentSupport children to develop skills, confidence and independenceBe part of a team that values kindness, consistency and reflectionBe a champion for safeguarding, and positive experiences for children and their outcomesAbout the roleThis is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.You will:Support children with daily routines, activities and experiencesPromote emotional wellbeing, stability and positive behaviourContribute to care plans and support individual goalsWork as part of a team to maintain a safe and supportive homeRecord and share information to support high-quality careThis 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. Who we’re looking forWe 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 peopleExperience in care, education, youth work or similar environmentsKnowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and safeguarding practiceStrong communication and teamwork skillsPatience, resilience and a calm, consistent approachAn 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 leaveFull training and development pathwaySupport from experienced leaders and behaviour specialistsA genuinely supportive, values-led working environmentLocationSittingbourne – Athena Children’s HomeReady to change lives?Apply now and help create a home where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive.Important Information About Start DatesPlease note that we are currently planning for successful candidates (following shortlisting, selection, interview and background checks) for the new KCC Sittingbourne service to join us from mid-October to end of October 2026.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 Sittingbourne service to life - and to support amazing outcomes for children and young people and would welcome your application.Closing date: 13th September 2026Shortlisting: 14th September 2026Selection process: w/c 28th September TBC if shortlisted (2 x half days for interview and selection in Sittingbourne)About youFor further information on this role, please contact Ousman Tunkara - Manager:Phone: 03000416355Email: Ousman.Tunkara@kent.gov.ukAbout usWork 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.