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 everyone 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 House Manager to support the growth and development of our Registered Family Centre in Southampton. The Family Centre is made up of 5 self-contained flats each with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities and a separate bungalow which can accommodate an additional 2 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.
As a House Manager with Fair Ways you will deliver the highest standards of care and support to our children, families and vulnerable adults through:
- Keeping Children, families and vulnerable adults Safe - Managing any presenting safeguarding issues and oversee the monitoring of good practice within the Family Centre and ensuring safe working practices in accordance with regulatory standards and in line with Fair Ways Policies and Procedures to keep children, families and vulnerable adults safe from harm for the duration of their assessment.
- Leadership and Management - To support the Registered Manager in ensuring a high-quality service is delivered and maintained through effective deputising at multi-agency meetings, managing the day to day running of the centre and ensuring oversight of the family assessments in accordance with relevant Ofsted National Minimum Standards and regulations.
- Occupancy Management - To work with the service manager to maintain occupancy levels and effectively manage staffing requirements at the family centre. This will be done through effective screening of referral's, oversight of the placement of families and managing the impact of this.
- Assessment Oversight - To have oversight of the completion of the parenting assessments alongside the Assessment team, ensuring these are of high quality, fair, robust, and evidenced based and to monitor the families impact and risk assessment while in placement.
- Line Management and Supervision - To line manage a number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and undertaking monitoring of any required training and development in line with our professional development and progression plans.
- Multi-Agency Working- To attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, court hearings and other forums to represent the Residential Family Centre. This will be achieved through confident communication, accurate evidencing and clear understanding of the final assessment report.
- Being a Trauma Informed professional - To oversee and model trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic support. You will demonstrate the therapeutic importance of maintaining a clean, tidy and homely environment through effective role modelling, ensuring families are supported appropriately during times of crisis and that we demonstrate an understanding of the parents’ early life experiences.
- Upholding appropriate professional boundaries - To proactively maintain safe supervision levels and respectful relationships with parents and children through effective support, guidance and care ensuring the maintenance of safe practice.
- Committing to your personal and professional development - To manage personal and continuous professional development through self-assessment, supervision and training.
The successful candidate will be working 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
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.
You and your specialisms
Senior roles within our frontline services help achieve our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, you will be required to have a minimum of the following qualification levels:
Essential
- To hold or be currently working towards a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership or an equivalent degree.
- To have demonstrable experience and ability to lead and direct a team within a similar sector and continuously improve service delivery.
- To have a sound understanding of legislation relating to Child Protection, looked after children in the public sector as well as the Public Law Outline and Care proceedings and a good knowledge of legislation relating to Safeguarding Adults.
Desirable
- Degree Level Qualification in Social Work or a relevant subject
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!