Support Worker - Post 16

Fair Ways; Southampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff lotteries with prizes

Holiday accrual scheme

Simply Health health plan & EAP

Early Pay

Job summary

Fair Ways is seeking proactive Support Workers for our 16+ Supported Living home in Southampton. You will support young adults to pursue independence, provide tailored care, and collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure stability and growth.

Role involves a rolling 2 on / 4 off rota, 37.5 hours weekly, and requires a full driving licence, DBS clearance, and right to work in the UK. Training, DBS costs covered by Fair Ways, and progression opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• Enhanced DBS clearance required; cost borne by employer.
• Right to work in the UK evidenced; visa sponsorship not provided.
• Experience in supported living or care settings desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate support to young adults in a supported living setting.
• Build connections with residents and work with the team to address needs.
• Support growth through social life skills, mentoring and role modelling.
• Deliver individualised care including nutrition, medical needs and hygiene.
• Help residents pursue work placements, education and personal interests.
• Encourage independence and transition to independent living.
• liaise with professionals, manage records and reporting; uphold trauma-informed responses.

Skills

Full driving license

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Level 3 qualification (training offered)

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?

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact to the lives of young people? As a leading provider of Supported Living homes, we are actively seeking compassionate Support Workers for our home in Southampton. Join us and be a part of a team that empowers young adults to navigate the path towards independence and success. Our Post-16 supported living provision consists of a collection of small family homes and can accommodate a number of residents at a time. Each young person has their own private room and shared access to communal areas. Our aim is to provide stability, consistency and acceptance, with the emphasis on young adults being responsible for themselves.

As a support worker for Fair Ways Supported Living, you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like:

• Rewarding Connections:Utilise your excellent communication skills to understand and connect with young individuals. Collaborate closely with our team to address significant issues and provide the support they need to thrive.
• Inspiring Growth:Go beyond surface behaviours and make a real difference in their lives. Use a variety of approaches, including social life skills, therapeutic activities, and effective role modelling, to guide and mentor young adults.
• Being part of a supportive Team:Join our amazing team of dedicated professionals who share a common goal of caring for and supporting each resident. Together, we create a nurturing environment where young people can flourish.
• Providing Individualised Care:Be at the heart of their care plans, focusing on their personal development and well-being. Offer guidance and support in areas such as nutrition, medical needs, hygiene, and help them explore work placements, education, and personal interests.
• Fostering Independence:Empower our residents to become more self-reliant by supporting them in daily tasks within a home setting. Be a catalyst for their growth, helping them transition into independent living.
• Building respectful impactful relationships: Act as a key worker, liaising with professionals and external agencies to ensure comprehensive support. Manage administrative tasks efficiently, including accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional: Using our industry recognised RiiSE training to deliver trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and, where appropriate, physical intervention to ensure our children are supported appropriately during times of crisis.

This role is offered at 37.5 hours per week on a full time permanent basis, working on a rolling rota following a 2 on / 4 off shift pattern including sleep ins.

All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car although each home will have unit vehicles as a 1 st option. 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.

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!

• If you don’t hold it already, you will be supported to undertake your Level 3 qualification to ensure that the quality of support remains high across the service.
• If you have a passion for supporting young people, we encourage you to apply.

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 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.