Administration Officer

What will you be doing?

Administration Officer – KCC Athena Children’s Home

Role Responsibility

Kent County Council | Children’s In‑House Residential Services

Position: 1 x 18.5 hours per week (Permanent Part Time)

Be part of something that truly matters.

We are looking for an organised and proactive Administration Officer to support our Athena children’s home in Ashford.

Why Athena – and why now?

Athena is about getting the fundamentals right – including strong, efficient and supportive administration that enables care teams to focus on children.

As an Administration Officer, you will:

- Be the organisational backbone of the home

- Support the Registered Manager and team

- Ensure systems, records and communications run smoothly

About the role

You will:

- Provide day-to-day administrative and clerical support

- Act as the first point of contact for the home

- Maintain accurate systems, records and files

- Support meetings, diaries and communications

- Assist with HR, finance and operational processes

- Understand safeguarding, and always act within the best interested of the protection and experiences for children, and the aims of the home

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for someone organised, approachable and solution-focused.

You may have:

- Previous administration experience

- Strong organisational and communication skills

- Confidence using IT systems and managing data

- Ability to prioritise and work independently

We also welcome candidates with transferable skills and the right mindset – we will support you to learn.

Why Kent County Council?

- Competitive salary and benefits

- Pension and generous annual leave

- Development and progression opportunities

- A supportive and values-led working environment

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.

Ready to support something extraordinary?

Apply now and help create a high-functioning, supportive environment for staff and children.

Closing date: 13th 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.

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.

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.

About you

Damien Ellis - Assistant Director

Email: damien.ellis@kent.gov.uk

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.