Outdoor Adventures Senior Instructor

Who are Fair Ways Outdoor Adventures and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways Outdoor Adventures 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 children and young people that we support and educate. We believe that the opportunities we create will help prepare and engage young people in their futures in ways that otherwise may not be achievable.

Where and when do we need you?

Fair Ways Outdoor Adventures are looking for an Activity Instructor to join their motivated department of professional instructors delivering a wide range of activities to our amazing young people supported in our residential intervention centres and residential homes. These sessions are delivered as part of their bespoke alternative education programmes with each session also being supported by trained therapeutic support workers.  Our instructors are fully supported in their roles, having access to a fantastic range of well-maintained modern equipment, training and development.

Working as an Activity Instructor on our team you will be involved in a range of exciting and rewarding things like:

• Building relationships through experiences - Supporting and instructing young people to engage with a range of outdoor activities such as, canoeing, climbing and walking to build confidence, self esteem and maximise learning and development of new skills through alternative education.
• Leadership and Management - To take an active lead as part of the management team of the service, including deputising for the service manager in any periods of absence. This will include responsibility for health and safety, updating policies and documents, operational decision making and strategic planning when required.
• Supervision and observations - Providing high quality supervisions and performance observations periodically throughout the year in line with regulatory and charity specific requirements. This is to ensure that any issues are identified at an early stage and all staff are offered the opportunity to improve and address through relevant training, support and development ensuring a secure, skilled and supported workforce.
• Keeping Children and Young People safe - Ensuring that all activities and locations are risk assessed and evidenced appropriately using the correct documentation in line with AALA and industry standard recommendations. To actively participate in the reviewing of risk assessments, safety procedures as required to ensure that they remain fit for purpose enabling all instructors to remain familiar with their content keeping all young people and staff safe on whilst out on activities.
• Reporting and Recording - Ensuring that all required activity session reports are completed promptly and provide an accurate record of young people’s achievements, engagement and progress. This is done to ensure effective handovers between instructors and monitor that all sessions are fit for purpose and specific to each individual, promoting growth and development.
• Preparation and Planning - Organising, preparing and maintaining equipment for activity sessions. Working with your team you will be responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe, clean and returned appropriately and that all equipment is prepared and ready for use for the following days activity program.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional - To provide trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and, where appropriate, physical intervention to ensure our young people are supported appropriately during times of crisis.
• Professional and personal development - To manage personal and continuous professional development through self-assessment, supervision, training, in order to maintain good knowledge of current best practice and statutory regulations including safeguarding legislation to ensure best levels of instruction are delivered at all times.

This role will be worked Monday – Friday between 9:00  and 17:30 and 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

Instructor 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 and experience levels:

Essential

• You will hold a minimum of 3 different National Governing Body Awards allowing you to provide Adventurous Activities relevant to the outdoor sector, examples as
  • Water Based
  • Climbing/Mountaineering
  • Biking
• First Aid Qualification - Relevant to your qualification level.
• Excellent session leadership experience, verbal / non-verbal communication skills and resilient in the face of challenge and change.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a trauma informed way when supporting young people who present behaviours that challenge.
• Experience of managing own workload effectively with the ability to prioritise tasks, often to tight deadlines.

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!