Children\'s Residential Support Worker in Wickham

At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do; we measure our wealth by the difference we make, not the profit. 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.

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 environment for children who benefit from clear boundaries and structure, 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 activities including trips and holidays such as quad biking, high rope courses, camping, rock climbing, horse riding, canoeing and more.

We are looking for a Support Worker to be involved in exciting and rewarding activities and responsibilities including:

• Building respectful, impactful relationships: proactively maintaining safe and respectful relationships with children through effective support, guidance and care, ensuring 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 with a consistent adult presence and a named team member linked to their support plans.
• Taking an active role in play, activities and confidence building: planning and delivering a range of enriching opportunities through crafts, outdoor activities, play and learning to provide an enjoyable, varied home environment.
• Supporting positive lifestyle choices: modelling and promoting high standards of physical care, hygiene and safety, and demonstrating healthy choices to help children develop and thrive.
• Being a trauma-informed professional: using our RiiSE training to deliver trauma-informed responses, including appropriate use of therapeutic and, where applicable, physical intervention during times of crisis.
• Keeping vulnerable children and young people safe: managing child protection issues through reporting in line with home policies and procedures in partnership with the senior leadership team and external agencies to keep children safe during placement.

This role is full-time/permanent, on a rolling rota following a 4 on / 8 off pattern with 5 sleeps in any 8-week period. Days start 07:30 and finish 22:00. Mealtimes with children and other staff are part of the role.

Essential requirements: All candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a car, although each home will have unit vehicles as a first option. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS) at the cost of Fair Ways. Fair Ways cannot sponsor visas for this role and all applicants must provide evidence of right to work in the UK.

Desirable but not essential: Whilst experience and qualifications are valuable, applicants from unrelated backgrounds who share our core values are welcome. Our in-house training and development team supports growth. Previous experience of working with children and young people with health/social care/educational needs. A Level 3 qualification (Level 3 in CYPW Diploma in childcare or equivalent).

Let us look after you: Fair Ways offers a range of benefits for our team, including:

• Exciting opportunities and rewards, such as staff lotteries and a fostering referral scheme.
• Work-life balance: holiday accrual, wellbeing day, and the option to purchase additional holidays.
• Health and support: health plan, Employee Assistance Scheme, and early access to salary.
• Growth and development: Education Grant up to master’s level and leadership courses.
• Wellbeing and recognition: team-building, events, gym discounts, cycle-to-work, and awards.
• Supportive community: inclusive culture and diverse workforce.

Note: Benefits may differ depending 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 ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and help shape brighter futures at Fair Ways.