Deputy Manager - Residential Family Centre

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 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?

As our Family Services provision continues to grow, we are excited to announce the opening of our third Family Centre, Hazel House. To support this exciting development, we are recruiting for a range of new opportunities across our Residential Family Centres, with positions available to start from January 2027. Families will be referred to the Family Centre if there have been concerns identified around the safety of the children in their current family home. 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 Deputy manager, you will be responsible for exciting and rewarding things like:

• Oversight of Good Practice and Safeguarding - To lead in the monitoring of good practice within the Family Centre and ensuring safe working practices within Child Protection procedures, and where appropriate, manage the presenting safeguarding issues in accordance with Fair Ways Policies and Procedures.
• Leadership and Guidance - 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.
• Assessment Oversight - To have oversight in the completion of the parenting assessments alongside the Assessors, ensuring these are of high quality, accurate, robust and evidenced based and to monitor the families impact and risk assessment while in placement ensuring their safety and support needs are met at all times.
• External Representation - 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.
• Community Networking - To support the Registered Manager in establishing links with local community resources, through appropriate networking and use of professional forums to build awareness of the family centre to achieve best practice.
• Line Management and Supervision - To line manage a small number of direct reports offering reflective supervisions, guidance and support as part of effective professional development and progression.
• 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, focussing on educating families to understand what is good and healthy for children and babies to grow and thrive.
• Upholding appropriate professional boundaries - To proactively maintain safe and respectful relationships with parents and children through effective support, guidance and care ensuring the maintenance of safe professional boundaries in line with best practice.
• Personal and professional Development - To manage own personal and continuous professional development through self-assessment, supervision and training.

This position is offered on a full-time permanent basis 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. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship for this role and all applicants will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK.

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

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership (or willing to work towards)
• To have a sound understanding and working experience of legislation and practice relating to child protection, children who are looked after and family court care proceedings. 
• Sound knowledge of legislation relating to safeguarding adults.
• Evidenced experience and ability to lead and direct a team and continuously improve service delivery.

Desirable

• A degree level qualification in Health and social care or equivalent is desirable

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 Health Shield, 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: Progress and develop in your career with excellent support from an employer committed to ensuring you reach your goals. 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!