Job Description
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 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.
Supporting families, strengthening futures.
Our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do – ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential.
Our plans for 2026 reflect this vision and ambition! We will have an even greater focus on embedding trauma informed approaches, and inclusive practice, across all of our services as we believe that this delivers the best outcomes for children and young people. We are committed to continuing to develop services which are integrated and joined up through our family hubs and that we maintain our focus on supporting the most vulnerable children on the edge of care to support them to remain safely living within their family networks.
Early help that makes a lasting difference.
Gateshead Council’s Early Help Service delivers targeted, high‑quality support to families with dependent children, focusing on early identification of need and coordinated intervention to improve long‑term outcomes. Working collaboratively with partners across education, health, social care and the wider community, the service provides a whole‑family approach that promotes resilience, safety and sustainable change. Through the Targeted Family Support team, practitioners offer direct work, advocacy, parenting interventions and multi‑agency planning to ensure children and young people receive the right help at the right time. In the December 2024 Ofsted inspection, the Early Help Service was identified as a "strength", reflecting the quality of practice, strong partnerships and the commitment of a skilled and valued workforce within a consistently "Good" local authority.
Right support, right time, real impact
We are recruiting for 2 Family Intervention Workers
What you'll get to do:
- Provide frontline support to Gateshead families through direct intervention and co‑ordination of services using a whole‑family approach.
- Lead and contribute to the Team Around the Family (TAF) process and participate in multi‑agency forums, including Strategy and ICPC meetings.
- Identify and manage risk in line with child protection procedures.
- Undertake Early Help Assessments and other supporting assessments with families and professionals to develop multi‑agency support plans.
- Deliver high‑quality advice, support and advocacy to families with dependent children.
- Facilitate and evaluate group parenting programmes and parenting interventions in community or home settings.
- Maintain accurate records on the social care database in accordance with confidentiality, information‑sharing guidance and national/LA standards.
- Provide evidence of family progress as part of the national Supporting Families programme.
- Maintain high professional standards and commit to ongoing learning that reflects best practice in family support.
- Contribute to Ofsted and other inspections as required.
- Work flexibly, which may include evenings, early mornings and weekends.
- Carry out any other responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
What you'll bring:
- Strong foundational knowledge, including child development; safeguarding thresholds and procedures; relevant legislation; issues affecting vulnerable families; confidentiality requirements; professional boundaries; equalities and anti‑oppressive practice; parenting and relationship programme approaches; aims of the Supporting Families Programme; and understanding of childcare, education, housing and benefits systems.
- A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a family support‑related discipline such as early years, youth work, youth justice, social work or housing support.
- Significant experience working with children and families at risk or in need, including case management, direct interventions and use of assessment tools.
- Strong multi‑agency working skills, including partnering with professionals, developing support plans, facilitating groups, and leading multi‑agency meetings.
- High‑level communication skills, both written and verbal, including report writing and presentations.
- Excellent organisational ability, including prioritising workload, meeting timescales, providing a responsive service, working independently and following safe lone‑working practices.
- Confident use of systems and technology, including case recording systems/databases, Microsoft Office and Outlook
If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary
- 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.
- 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 link 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.