Supervising Social 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 families 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 are looking to recruit a supervising social worker to join our dedicated and supportive fostering team. Fair Ways fostering team is a relatively small team with Social Workers overseeing smaller caseloads. This allows for relationship-based work, with Social Workers being available and able to respond quickly when needed. As a result, we are confident that our service maintains a family centred approach to ensure that our foster families remain at the heart of our work.

As a Supervising Social Worker you will be responsible for:

• Providing dedicated supervision and support - To supervise and support foster families, utilising and developing the foster carers’ skills and experiences, identifying and supporting areas for professional development both individually and as a group.
• Undertaking fair and detailed assessments - To carry out fostering and parenting assessments as and when required, adhering to the respective role specifications for each. To present completed fostering assessments to Fair Ways Independent Fostering Panels.
• Ensuring accurate Reporting and Recording - To maintain and organise case records, write reports as directed by line manager and maintain effective, regular communication with outside agencies regarding own caseload, ensuring all relevant parties are kept up to date of important developments.
• Undertaking visits and providing quality supervision - To carry out monitoring visits with young people and supervisions of all carers on caseload within required timeframes in order to ensure that you are aware of their individual needs and are able to recognise any signs or indications of any potential harm the child may be experiencing.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional - Using our industry recognised RiiSE training to deliver trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic interventions and demonstrate an understanding of the young peoples’ early life experiences and that such experiences may result in, or contribute to, severe challenging behaviour.
• Advocating for children in care and ensuring they have a voice - To use a range of different methods when working directly with young people to ascertain their wishes and feelings in respect of all plans relating to them, encouraging them to be involved in the planning process as appropriate.
• Multi Agency working - To attend and contribute to reviews and care planning meetings, supporting the foster carers and placement of young people placed in the company, and where necessary acting as advocate for young people and their families
• Proving Duty and On-call support - To carry out the role of Duty Social Worker at least one day per week, and have the ability and willingness to be part of emergency out of hours on-call service and to work additional hours when deemed to be necessary by the needs and demands of the post, including weekends and evenings, to ensure the quality of service remains at its highest.

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:

• Hold a social work qualification or equivalent
• Have current registration with Social Care England
• To possess a good understanding of relevant legislative frameworks – Children Act 1989/2004, Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002
• Previous experience in direct work with looked after children or young people

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!