Senior Contact Support Worker

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential, Mental Health and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for a professional, confident individual with fast, accurate typing skills, to conduct both supervised and supported family contact sessions and have secondary oversight for the service in the absence of the Contact Centre Manager. Fair Ways Contact Service offers a safe and supervised environment allowing families to work towards re-establishing relationships following a breakdown or separation.

In the role of Senior Family Contact Support Worker you will be involved in exciting and rewarding things like:

• Leading by example - To have oversight of the contact sessions in the absence of the Contact manager, line manage a small number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and support as part of effective professional development and progression.
• Keeping vulnerable children and young people Safe - Contributing to the monitoring of good practice within the Contact Scheme and ensuring safe working practices within safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Being informed using relevant supporting information - Work within the NACCC standards for the Contact Scheme and adhere to Fair Ways policies and procedures.
• Supporting positive engagement for our families- The role involves supervising/ supporting contact sessions to enable children to retain bonds with significant figures in their lives in a controlled environment.
• Ensuring an open platform for discussion - involve parents and children (where appropriate) in decisions about their contact, in order to maximise their choices, giving due consideration to their wishes and feelings.
• Playing your PART within an amazing team - The applicant must be a reliable team member. Contact sessions are often court ordered and must be adhered to with stability and consistency being key to making them work.
• Evidencing your fantastic attention to detail and communication skills - The individual must be able to accurately record sessions and at the same time monitor the risks in the sessions and have the confidence to recognise and challenge unsafe parenting.

This role is offered on a part-time permanent basis of 30 hours per week and these will be worked as part of a rota pattern including the occasional weekends and evenings.

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.

Desirable…. but not Essential

Whilst we value the knowledge and understanding that experience and qualifications can bring we also know that some of our best people have come to us from unrelated backgrounds. These people already held our core values at heart, and with the dedication of our amazing in house training and development team, we have supported the rest!

• Previous experience of working with young people and/or adults with health/social care/educational needs
• A Level 3 qualification in childcare/social care

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!