Children's Residential Support Worker

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 caring for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

We are recruiting for a Support Worker for our residential children’s home in Portchester. Our home accommodates children aged 12 – 18 and specialises in providing therapeutic informed practices for our young people, supporting them towards independence. You will be working as part of a wonderful team and encouraged to develop your career within an ambitious and growing organisation that is committed to staff retention and development.

The successful applicant will work onsite supporting a team of support workers and the home management to ensure the delivery of continuous high‑quality service and growth.

• Building respectful impactful relationships:
  Proactively maintain safe and respectful relationships with children through effective support, guidance and care ensuring the maintenance of safe professional boundaries in line with best practice.
• Advocating for children in care and ensuring they have a voice:
  Engage in key responsibilities for nominated children within the home, providing the children in our care with a consistent adult presence and an identified member of the team linked to their specific support plans.
• Taking an active role in play, activities and confidence building:
  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:
  Demonstrate 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:
  Use 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:
  Manage 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.

All candidates must have a full driving licence and have access to use a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by 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 07:30 and finish 23:00 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.

• Previous experience of working with children and young people with health/social care/educational needs
• A Level 3 qualification or Diploma in childcare (e.g., CYPW) or equivalent

• 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.
• Work‑Life Balance:
  Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual…