Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we believe that our employees reflect that spirit in enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’ll be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and advocates a great work‑life balance. We offer flexi‑time and hybrid working across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits.
Supporting Families. Safeguarding Futures.
You’ll be joining a busy, committed and highly supportive team within Children’s Social Care, working as part of the Specialist Support Service. The team works at pace to deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based interventions to children and families, often in complex and challenging circumstances. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do and you’ll work closely with social workers, multi‑agency partners and families themselves to ensure the best outcomes for children. With a strong focus on safeguarding, early help and whole‑family approaches, the team is dedicated to helping children thrive in safe, supportive environments while promoting resilience, independence and long‑term wellbeing.
What You Will Get To Do
- Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families to support their health, wellbeing and development
- Deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based interventions aligned to children’s social care plans
- Provide advice, support and advocacy using a whole‑family approach to improve outcomes for children
- Contribute to assessments and support planning, identifying need and managing risk in line with safeguarding procedures
- Write clear, analytical reports and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case records
- Supervise family time for looked‑after children, ensuring safe, meaningful contact and recording observations
- Transport children and families to support contact arrangements and service delivery
- Lead or co‑facilitate parenting programmes and group interventions in community and home settings
- Work within a duty system, responding to new or escalating needs identified by partner agencies
- Collaborate effectively with multi‑agency professionals to deliver coordinated support
- Maintain high professional standards, keeping up to date with legislation, research and best practice
- Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends where required, to meet the needs of families
- Contribute to inspections and continuous service improvement activity
What You Will Bring
- Strong experience working with vulnerable children and families, including direct interventions and managing risk
- Sound knowledge of child development, the Children Act, safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Ability to build effective relationships and work in partnership with a wide range of professionals
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing, recording and presenting information clearly
- Experience of assessing needs and developing support plans using recognised frameworks
- Ability to manage workload effectively, work independently and maintain professional boundaries
- Relevant level 3 (or equivalent) qualification; driving licence and access to transport; confidence using IT systems
If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Outstanding pension scheme – find out more at https://twpf.info
- Generous annual leave – 28 days, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days
- Flexible working hours – up to 26 flexi days per year, subject to business needs
- Hybrid and flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- Learning and development – access to a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support – discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL and mental health resources
- Cycle to work scheme – tax‑efficient scheme to save money and stay active
- Electric and hybrid car scheme – salary‑sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions after 12 months of service
- Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options on shopping, travel and services via the VIVUP platform after 6 months of service
Our Commitment to You
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
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