Waking Nights 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 recruiting for a Waking Nights Support Worker for our residential children’s home in Portchester. Our home accommodates children aged 14 – 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 the home management to ensure the delivery of continuous high-quality service and growth.

As a Waking Night Support Worker at Portchester Road, you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like: 

• 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.
• Planning and preparation: Co-ordinating and planning shifts nightly to ensure safeguarding is prioritised. Prioritising effectively across a range of demands, managing and adapting to change.
• 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.
• Dotting the I's and crossing the T's: Completing nightly tasks consistent with the smooth running of the home, such as handovers, case recording, risk assessments, ensuring all information is recorded appropriately and accurately.
• Making a house a home: Contributing to the housekeeping and administration duties of the home, including the cleaning and general household upkeep in order to ensure a welcoming and homely environment for the children in our care.
• Dynamic Working – Being able to work independently whilst being part of a wider dedicated and skilled team with fantastic support and development.
• 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.

It is important for applicants to be aware that this role will require lone working, however this will be supported by another member of staff on a ‘sleep in’. This role is offered on a part time basis working 30 hours per week. The work pattern would be 10 hours per night between 22:00 - 8:00 working on a rolling rota including weekends.

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!

• To hold or be happy to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Child Care or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children and/or young people would be advantageous.

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!