Deputy Manager - Children’s Residential and Intervention Homes

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 caring for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Where and when do we need you? We are looking for a Deputy Manager to work as part of the leadership team in our small collection of Children’s Residential and Intervention Homes in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our intervention homes accommodate up to 5 children aged up to the age of 18 who have experienced trauma and possible placement disruption, who may then present with behaviours of concern. We have recently expanded our provision in the area and are excited to be opening a residential children’s home in early 2025, giving us the opportunity to engage a number of young people beyond the 12-week intervention programme, supporting our overall aim of a successful transition into long-term foster care or supported living.

Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, young people placed here engage in a programme of exciting outdoor activities, which provide a platform for building relationships and therapeutic work focusing on self-esteem, identity and the development of pro-social coping skills to keep themselves and others safe.

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

• Leadership and Management – To work as part of the Management team to support handovers, shift planning and to have oversight of the home ensuring that all required daily tasks are completed appropriately and accurately, offering 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 and facilitating the smooth running of the home.
• Keeping Children and Young People Safe – To take an active lead as part of the Management team of the home, including deputising for the RM in any periods of absence, in the monitoring and assurance of safe working practices within Child Protection and Wales Safeguarding procedures 2014, 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.
• Regulatory Responsibility – To ensure that self and others work within the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care Wales Act 2016 and Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and adhere to Fair Ways Policies and Procedures. Support the Registered Manager with the completion of key reports regarding the home such as the bi-annual Quality of Care review in order to ensure the highest quality of care is delivered to the young people we support.
• Line Management and Supervision – To provide high quality supervision to your direct reports 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.
• Assessments and Multi-Agency Working – To complete formal assessments of the needs of young people, in conjunction with colleagues, Fair Ways therapeutic hub and other professionals, to promote and safeguard the welfare of the young people in placement. To liaise with relevant external authorities through effective communication with linked social workers and IRO's ensuring that they are informed of the child's progress, development and any other significant information.
• Being a Trauma Informed Professional – Providing trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and, where appropriate, physical intervention to ensure our children and young people are supported appropriately during times of crisis. To take an active role in understanding the risk assessments and individual support plans for children, to ensure those we support are provided with a safe and nurturing environment.
• Making a House a Home – To demonstrate 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. 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.

The successful candidate will be working 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. All candidates must have a full driving licence 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.

You and your specialisms

Essential: You will hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and either hold or be happy to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Demonstrable experience of working with Children.