About Fair Ways
At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. 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.
Location and Role
We are looking for a Social Worker to support the growth and development of our Registered Family Centres in Southampton. The Family Centres are made up of a number of self‑contained flats or pods each with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities and a separate bungalow which can accommodate an additional two families. Families will be referred to the Family Centre if there have been concerns identified around the safety of the children within their existing family unit. 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessing and observing – Take a lead role in parenting assessments through formal and informal observations, ensuring a high‑quality service is delivered and maintained.
- Keeping children, families and vulnerable adults safe – Manage any presenting safeguarding issues in accordance with Fair Ways Policies and Procedures to keep everyone safe from harm for the duration of their assessment.
- Supervision and training – 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 plans.
- Clear and confident communication – Attend and contribute to multi‑agency meetings, court hearings and other forums to represent the Residential Family Centre and support the assessors.
- Building strong professional relationships – Proactively maintain safe supervision levels and respectful relationships with parents and children through effective support, guidance and care, ensuring the maintenance of safe practice.
- Accurate and detailed report writing – Maintain full oversight of the assessment process for families for the full 12 weeks, writing parenting assessment reports for courts and maintaining effective, regular communication with outside agencies regarding parenting capacity.
- Being a trauma‑informed professional – Oversee and model trauma‑informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and (in some services) physical intervention to ensure families are supported appropriately during times of crisis and to demonstrate an understanding of the parents’ early life experiences.
- Supporting and developing new initiatives – Support the management team to develop the community‑based assessment and outreach packages for family transitions into the community.
- Committing to your personal and professional development – Manage personal and continuous professional development through self‑assessment, supervision and training.
Working Hours & Conditions
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. Fair Ways is 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.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Hold a degree level qualification as a registered social worker.
- Have a sound understanding of legislation relating to child protection, looked‑after children in the public sector, public law outline and care proceedings, and good knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding adults.
- Have experience and ability to lead and direct a team where required and continuously improve service delivery.
- Have experience in writing robust parenting assessments and oversight of assessments for the court arena.
Benefits
- Exciting opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers and a £1000 fostering referral scheme voucher.
- Work‑life balance: Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). Flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
- Health and support: Simply Health, a health cash plan and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Early Pay – withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with unforeseen circumstances.
- Growth and development: Education Grant offering funding for accreditation up to master’s level. Leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
- Wellbeing matters: Team‑building days, summer festivals, well‑being initiatives, discounted gym memberships and a cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Recognition and rewards: Annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Pension scheme and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
- Supportive community: Diverse workforce that embraces all communities, inclusive and vibrant culture.
- Benefits may differ depending on contract type.
How to Apply
If you are 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!
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