Children's Residential Waking Night Support Worker in Fareham

Specific Hours: 37.5 - Happy to discuss part time

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for? 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. Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world‑class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you? We are recruiting for Waking Night Support Workers for our residential children’s homes across the South Coast. The homes will 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. This position focuses 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Planning and preparation: Co‑ordinating and planning shifts nightly to ensure safeguarding is prioritised. Prioritising effectively across a range of demands, managing and adapting to change.
• 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.
• Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s: Completing nightly tasks consistent with the smooth running of the home, such as handovers, case recording, risk assessments, ensuring all information is recorded appropriately and accurately.
• Making a house a home: Contributing to the housekeeping and administration duties of the home, including the cleaning and general household upkeep in order to ensure a welcoming and homely environment for the children in our care.
• Dynamic Working – Being able to work independently whilst being part of a wider dedicated and skilled team with fantastic support and development.
• 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.

It is important for applicants to be aware that this role will require lone working, however this will be supported by another member of staff on a ‘sleep in’. The working pattern will be 10 hours per night between approx. (depending on the home) 22:00 - 8:00 as part of a 4-on/4-off rolling rota including weekends. Over the course of the year, along with additional team meetings and training, these hours equate to an average 37.5 hour working week as per the stated salary.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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

• To hold or be happy to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children and/or young people would be advantageous.

Benefits

• 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.

Become a part of our community 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!