Internal Job: Team Leader

Job Title: Team Leader

Location: Manor Farm Cottage
Salary: Band 3 Levels 1-4

Hours: 37.5 HPW

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 sit beside them during meetings with social workers, therapists, and teachers. You will advocate for them with sincerity and determination.

As a Team Leader with Fair Ways you will deliver the highest standards of care and support to our children and young people through:

• Building Brighter Futures – Working as part of the Management team to support handovers, shift planning and to have oversight of the shift ensuring that all required daily tasks are completed appropriately and accurately facilitating the smooth running of the home. Taking responsibility for the running of the shift and giving appropriate support and direction to the staff team whilst working proactively to ensure that young people are afforded opportunities and experiences that will allow them to thrive. 
• Leading and supporting a fantastic team – Taking an active lead, as part of the Management team of the home alongside any relevant external agency, in the monitoring and assurance of safe working practices within Child Protection, whilst ensuring that all staff on your team engage and build positive working relationships with the young people and have an understanding of group dynamics to keep children safe from harm for the duration of their placement with Fair Ways.
• Ensuring accuracy and detail – Completing formal assessments of the needs of young people, in conjunction with colleagues and other professionals, to promote and safeguard the welfare of the young people in placement. Ensuring daily tasks are completed (either directly or through delegation) and are consistent with the smooth running of the home
• Supporting Positive Outcomes – Providing 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. To take an active role in understanding the risk assessments and individual behavior support plans for children, using appropriate systems and procedures to ensure the children are provided with a safe and nurturing environment.
• Managing performance – Providing high quality supervision to individual members of staff as directed by the Registered Manager and conduct appraisals in line with the Company appraisals process.  This is to ensure that performance issues are identified at an early stage and all staff are offered the opportunity to improve and address any issues through relevant training, support and development ensuring a secure, skilled and supported workforce.

This role is offered on a full time/permanent basis, working on a rolling rota following a 2 on / 4 off shift pattern with one sleep in on every other block of shifts worked. Days start at 07:30 and finish 22:00 and during this time you will have the opportunity to have all meals provided as part of your role will include mealtimes with the children and other staff.

Desirable…. but not Essential

Whilst we value the knowledge and understanding that experience and qualifications can bring we also know that some of our best people have come to us from unrelated backgrounds. These people already held our core values at heart, and with the dedication of our amazing in house training and development team, we have supported the rest!

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 Simply Health, 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!