Senior Support Worker in West Wickham

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. 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.

Garden House is a residential children’s home that can accommodate up to 6 children aged between 6 and 14. The home provides 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 developing independent life skills within a therapeutic caring environment. Our staff will be involved in a range of exciting activities which our children enjoy, this could include things like quad biking, high rope courses, camping, rock climbing, horse riding, canoeing and more, as well as engaging day trips and accompanying the children on exciting holidays.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Support: To support the Team Leader with handovers, shift planning and to have oversight of the shift in the absence of a Team Leader ensuring that all required daily tasks are completed appropriately and accurately facilitating the smooth running of the home.
• Line Management and Guidance: Line manage a small number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and support as part of effective professional development and progression.
• 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.
• 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.

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 07:00 and finish 22:30 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• To hold or be working towards a qualification relevant to the post, such as NVQ 3/level 3 Diploma in childcare.
• Demonstrable experience in working with children and/or young people will be required.
• A good knowledge of child protection and safeguarding would be expected.

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!