Foster Care 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 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 Children 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?

Fair Ways Fostering Team are looking for a motivated, caring and passionate individual to support our amazing young people and their foster carers. The role provides a great opportunity for applicants to work as part of an outstanding team, supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs to achieve fantastic outcomes. You will develop positive relationships with our young people whilst supporting with fun and engaging activities, creating opportunities and experiences for them to thrive.

Working as a Fostering Support Worker you will be involved in exciting and engaging things like:

• Having fun and making memories! - Providing daytime and evening respite to Foster Carers by taking the child/young person into the community for 1:1 support sessions.
• Planning exciting and appropriate activities – Planning sessions engaging with the young person’s interests. These could be a wide range of things - football in the park, exploring nature, cinema visits, climbing sessions, library visits etc
• Documenting and recording findings – You will be asked to attend meetings to provide updates around your engagement with the children and young people evidencing positive, well boundaried relationships. 
• Keeping Young People Safe - Using your clear understanding of safeguarding (full training provided by our incredible inhouse training team), you will know when and how to intervene and work in a way that prioritises the needs of children.
• Providing respite for our fantastic foster carers – You will collect children from carers homes and in some cases from school and undertake fun and engaging activites. All children that have support have been risked assessed as safe to lone work.
• Feeling truly secure and supported in your role - All staff will be supported by an amazing team and provided an information sheet and risk assessment specific to the child/young person before any shift. Staff will always have a clear picture of the child/young person’s needs and how best to support them and keep them safe.
• 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.

This role will be 30 HPW and will be worked across weekdays (generally 15:00 – 19:00 shifts) and 1 day every other weekend, the full rota can be discussed at interview. 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. Due to the nature of the role all activity money and mileage will be covered

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!

Desirable

• Previous experience of working with young people 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!

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