Social Worker - Assessor

Fair Ways; Southampton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday accrual

Wellbeing day

Private health care

Life Assurance

Education grant

Pension scheme

Blue Light Card

Cycle to work

Staff lotteries

Job summary

Fair Ways in Southampton is seeking a Social Worker to support the growth of our Registered Family Centres. You will deliver high standards of care to children, families and vulnerable adults through carefully conducted assessments, safeguarding, and strong collaboration with partner agencies.

You will lead a small team, attend multi‑agency meetings and court hearings, and write robust parenting assessments for court use.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with registration in the UK.
• Experience leading a team and guiding practice to improve service delivery.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and court processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead parenting assessments through formal and informal observations.
• Safeguard children, families and vulnerable adults in all assessments.
• Line-manage a small team with reflective supervision and development.
• Attend multi-agency meetings, court hearings and represent the service.
• Maintain safe practice and professional relationships with parents and children.
• Prepare detailed parenting assessment reports for court purposes.
• Model trauma-informed approaches and support crisis responses.
• Support management to develop community-based assessment and outreach.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Report writing

Assessment of parenting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Job description

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Together we aim to build an institution that makes a difference to society and leaves a legacy greater than ourselves and our contributions. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do; we measure our wealth by the difference we make, rather than the profit we make. 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.

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for a Social Worker to support the growth and development of our Registered Family Centres in Southampton, we are also able to support a social worker through their assessed and supported year in employment (AYSE). The Family Centres are made up of a number of self-contained flats or pods 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 Social Worker with Fair Ways you will deliver the highest standards of care and support to our children, families and vulnerable adults through:

• Assessing and Observing -To take a lead role in parenting assessments through formal and informal observations of the residents with their child ensuring a high-quality service is delivered and maintained.
• Keeping Children, families and vulnerable adults Safe -Managing any presenting safeguarding issues in accordance with Fair Ways Policies and Procedures to keep children, families and vulnerable adults safe from harm for the duration of their assessment.
• Supervision and training- To line manage a small 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.
• Being a clear and confident communicator -To attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, court hearings and other forums to represent the Residential Family Centre and support the Assessors.
• Building strong professional relationships -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.
• Accurate and detailed report writing -To maintain full oversight of the assessment process for families for the full 12 weeks, writing the parenting assessment reports for courts. Maintaining effective, regular communication with outside agencies regarding parenting capacity.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional -To oversee and model trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and (in some services) physical intervention to ensure families are supported appropriately during times of crisis and to demonstrate an understanding of the parents’ early life experiences.
• Supporting and developing new initiatives- To support the management team to develop the community-based assessment and outreach packages for family transitions into the community.
• 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 hour 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:

• To hold a degree level qualification as a registered social worker.
• 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
• To have experience and ability to lead and direct a team where required and continuously improve service delivery.
• To have experience in writing robust parenting assessments and oversight of assessments for the court arena.

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 Life Assurance, private health care, dental cover and 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: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.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!