Senior Support Worker

Kent County Council; Aylesford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sleep-ins/on-call where applicable

Pension

Generous leave

Job summary

Kent County Council in Ashford is seeking Permanent Relief Senior Childrens Support Worker to help shape and run the Athena home from the ground up. You will lead shifts, ensure safe staffing, and deliver high-quality care to children in a trauma-informed environment.

We value safeguarding, resilience, and commitment; training and ongoing support are provided as you help create a nurturing home culture and positive outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Experience in residential care or similar settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practice and regulations for children's care.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or PBS approaches (training provided).
• Experience leading shifts or supporting others.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Champion safeguarding and positive outcomes for children.

Skills

Children care

Residential care

Safeguarding knowledge

Trauma-informed care

People leadership

Job description

Role Responsibility

Be part of building something that truly matters.

We are looking for passionate and skilled Permanent ReliefSenior Childrens 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 Childrens 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 childrens rights, voice and individual needs
• Ensure compliance with Childrens Homes Regulations and safeguarding
• Maintain accurate records and work closely with professionals

Who were 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 Childrens 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

Ready to make a real difference?

Closing date: 11th November 2026

Shortlisting Process 12th to 13th November 2026

Selection process: from 18th - 25th November 2026 - TBC if shortlisted (2 x half days for interview and selection in Ashford)

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.