Internal Job:  Senior Support Worker

Job Title:  Senior Support Worker

Location: Manor Farm Cottage

Salary: £29,849

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Together we aim to build an institution that makes a difference to society and leaves a legacy greater than ourselves and our contributions. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do; we measure our wealth by the difference we make, rather than the profit we make. Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Where and when do we need you?

Manor Farm Cottage is an Ofsted registered therapeutic children’s home based in Swanwick.

Our Mission Statement is very simple: At Manor Farm, we believe in the possibility of healing from the effects of adverse childhood experiences and developmental trauma. Our aim is to achieve this through building and sustaining meaningful, trusting, and reciprocal relationships. We provide a safe, holding environment for the children, allowing them to embrace loving care, feel seen and heard, expand on their positive experiences, and reach their full potential.

You will play a vital role in bringing this to life each and every day. Working alongside experienced colleagues and our dedicated clinicians, you will help shape an environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported. You will never be alone in this work, our team and managers will be there to guide you through every step of your journey, playing your part in something bigger than any individual: a true therapeutic community.

Being involved in every aspect of the children’s daily lives, you will share moments of joy and help them through moments of distress. You will cook meals, join them on outdoor adventures, holidays, cinema outings, dental appointments, the list is endless. You will sit beside them during meetings with social workers, therapists, and teachers. You will advocate for them with sincerity and determination.

As a Senior Support Worker with Fair Ways you will deliver the highest standards of care and support to the individuals we care for through:

• Leadership and Support: To support the Team Leader with handovers, shift planning and to have oversight of the shift in the absence of a Team Leader ensuring that all required daily tasks are completed appropriately and accurately facilitating the smooth running of the home.
• Line Management and Guidance: Line manage a small number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and support as part of effective professional development and progression.
• Building respectful impactful relationships: Proactively maintaining safe and respectful relationships with children through effective support, guidance and care ensuring the maintenance of safe professional boundaries in line with best practice.
• Taking an active role in play, activities and confidence building: Being actively involved in the planning and execution of a range of enriching opportunities for the children through different mediums such as crafts, outdoor activities, play and learning to provide an enjoyable, varied and engaged home environment.
• Supporting positive lifestyle choices: Demonstrating the therapeutic importance of maintaining a clean, tidy and homely environment through effective role modelling and education, promoting high standards of physical care, hygiene and safety and demonstrating positive and healthy choices to support children to develop and thrive.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional: Using our industry recognised RiiSE training to deliver trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and, where appropriate, physical intervention to ensure our children are supported appropriately during times of crisis.
• Keeping vulnerable children and young people Safe: Managing any child protection issues that may occur through effective reporting in line with the policies and procedures of the residential home in partnership with the senior leadership team and any relevant external agency to keep children safe from harm for the duration of their placement with Fair Ways.

This role is offered on a full time/permanent basis, working on a rolling rota following a 2 on / 4 off shift pattern with an average of 4 sleeps in any 8-week period

All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car although each home will have unit vehicles as a 1^st option. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways.

You and your specialisms

Senior roles within our frontline services help achieve our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, you will be required to have, or be working towards a minimum of the following qualification levels and/or experience:

• To hold or be working towards a qualification relevant to the post, such as NVQ 3/level 3 Diploma in childcare
• Demonstrable experience in working with children and/or young people will be required
• A good knowledge of child protection and safeguarding would be expected.

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Health Shield, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master’s level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

*Benefits may differ dependent on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!utures!