Senior Family Support Worker in Southampton

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Family Support Worker at our residential family centre in Southampton. Families will be referred to the Family Centre if there have been concerns identified around the safety of the children in the family unit in their current family home. Once with us, the families will be continuously encouraged, assessed and guided through a 12 week stay where they are monitored 24/7 to encourage sustainable positive parenting changes.

As a Senior Support Worker, you will be involved in exciting and rewarding things like:

• Keeping Children, families and vulnerable adults Safe - To support the Team Leader oversee presenting safeguarding issues and the monitoring of good practice within the Family Centre and ensuring safe working practices in accordance with regulatory standards and in line with Fair Ways Policies and Procedures.
• Assessment Support - To contribute to formal parenting assessments in conjunction with colleagues, ensuring these are of high quality, fair, robust, and evidenced based and to monitor the family's impact and risk assessment while in placement ensuring their safety and support needs are met at all times.
• Effective Leadership - To work with your Team Leader to support handovers, shift planning and to have oversight of the shift (when required) ensuring that all required daily tasks are completed appropriately and accurately facilitating the smooth running of the Family Centre.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional - To oversee and model trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic support. You will demonstrate the therapeutic importance of maintaining a clean, tidy and homely environment through effective role modelling, ensuring families are supported appropriately during times of crisis and that we demonstrate an understanding of the parents early life experiences, focussing on educating families to understand what is good and healthy for children and babies to grow and thrive.
• Line Management and Supervision - To line manage a small number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and undertaking monitoring of any required training and development in line with our professional development and progression plans. To proactively maintain safe and respectful relationships with parents and children through effective support, guidance and care.
• Upholding appropriate professional boundaries - Observing, assessing and monitoring the health and wellbeing of parents and children within the family centre whilst ensuring the maintenance of safe professional boundaries in line with best practice.

This position is offered on a permanent basis working 37.5 hours per week. This will be worked as part of a rolling rota Monday – Sunday. 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.

Senior roles within our frontline services play a key part in achieving 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:

• To hold or be currently working towards a minimum of A Level 3 qualification in childcare/social care.
• To have a sound understanding and working experience of legislation and practice relating to child protection, children who are looked after and family court care proceedings.
• To have a sound knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding adults.
• To be organised, methodical and able to prioritise, set deadlines and keep to them with a flexible approach to the task and resilience under pressure.
• To have the ability to time manage own workload and that of others effectively and work as part of a team, promoting a positive culture.

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 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 – 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!