Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?
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?
We are recruiting for a Team Leader across our residential children’s homes on the South Coast. Our homes provide a structured, homely, and nurturing environment for children who benefit from clear boundaries and structure, and we believe this is the starting point to enable the children to achieve their potential supporting our overall aim of a transition into long term foster care. These positions focus on being part of a team supporting the development of independent life skills within a therapeutic caring environment. We believe in the possibility of healing from the effects of adverse childhood experiences and developmental trauma. Our aim is to ignite such healing through building and sustaining meaningful, trusting, and reciprocal relationships.
As a Team Leader, you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like:
- 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.
- Advocating for children in care and ensuring they have a voice: Engaging in key work responsibilities for nominated children within the home, providing the children in our care with a consistent adult presence and an identified member of the team linked to their specific support plans.
- 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.
- 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.
The names and locations of our homes are as follows:
- All Seasons - Swanwick
- Manor Farm Cottage - Swanwick
- Portchester Road - Portchester
- Garden House - Wickham
This role is offered on a full time/permanent basis, working as part of a rolling rota (Monday – Sunday) following a 2 on/4 off shift pattern to include 1 sleep for every other block worked. Days start at around 07:00 and finish at around 22:30 (depending on the home you work in) and during this time you will have the opportunity to have all meals provided as the nature of your role will include mealtimes with the children and other staff.
All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship for this role and all applicants will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK.
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!
- To hold or be happy to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience in working with children and/or young people will be required with additional line management experience beneficial.
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 dependant 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!
