Job Description
Supporting independence through smart technology.
Who we are and 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 just 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 passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Be at the heart of modern care delivery
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.
Hands‑on, forward‑thinking, people‑focused
As a Telecare Co‑ordinator, you’ll play a vital role in helping people live safely, independently and with confidence through the effective use of assistive technology. This is a varied, hands‑on role combining coordination, technical delivery and partnership working. You will oversee the day‑to‑day operation and development of the telecare service, from assessing referrals and programming equipment, to installing technology in people’s homes and ensuring industry standards are met. You will champion innovative solutions, support service users and help shape a high‑quality, customer‑focused telecare service that really makes a difference.
What you'll get to do:
- Co‑ordinate and deliver the telecare service, managing referrals, profiling service users, programming equipment and ensuring compliance with Telecare Services Association (TSA) standards.
- Install and maintain telecare equipment, including key safes, supervising installers, resolving faults, delivering training and ensuring safe use of tools and equipment.
- Work collaboratively with health, social care, voluntary and independent sector partners to provide advice, support assessments and promote independence through telecare technology.
- Promote and develop the service, delivering presentations and demonstrations, attending meetings and conferences, and supporting service growth in line with the business plan.
- Identify, trial and implement new and emerging technology, working with suppliers and maintaining an up‑to‑date business plan reviewed on a monthly basis.
- Manage stock, suppliers and financial processes, including equipment control, supplier liaison, billing, cancellations, invoice checking and investigating charging queries or complaints.
- Monitor performance and maintain accurate records, producing reports on service activity, response rates and customer satisfaction while ensuring effective database management and health and safety compliance.
What you'll bring:
- Relevant qualification at NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, Social Care or Housing Support (or a willingness to work towards this).
- Full UK driving licence, with the ability to drive manual vehicles as the role involves community‑based work.
- Experience working in a social care, housing or customer‑focused environment, with an understanding of supporting independence and wellbeing.
- Strong IT capability, including confidence using Microsoft packages and maintaining accurate digital records and databases.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt and engage professionally with service users, colleagues, partners and suppliers.
- Interest in assistive and telecare technology, holding an Assistive Technology Certificate or demonstrating a willingness to undertake this qualification.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and work effectively under pressure, while maintaining high standards of customer‑focused service delivery.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, 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: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities 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
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.