Job Description
Support Worker (Supported Living Service) - Part Time 25 hour contract
Empowering adults to thrive in their own homes and communities.
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.
Supporting people to live independently, confidently and safely.
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.
Supporting real lives and real choices.
Do you want to make a real difference every day? Join our Supported Living Service as a Support Worker and play a vital role in supporting vulnerable adults to live independently, safely and with dignity within their own homes and communities. This is a rewarding, hands-on role where you will build positive, trusting relationships, support people to maintain their tenancies, and help them live fulfilling, meaningful lives based on their own choices, strengths and aspirations.
Working as part of a dedicated and understanding team, you will provide person‑centred support that promotes independence, wellbeing and community inclusion, while ensuring care is delivered in line with Care Quality Commission standards and best practice. From supporting daily living skills and personal care (where required) to enabling people to take part in activities that matter to them, you will be empowering individuals to live the life they choose.
What you'll get to do:
- Promote and uphold the rights and dignity of each tenant considering individual vulnerabilities, needs and identified outcomes.
- Support the needs of the tenant and to ensure that all risks appertaining to their lifestyles are supported, whilst maintaining individual choices and preferences. Provide personal care support where required.
- Work within the Enablement Framework to promote the independence, self-management and citizenship of the tenant whilst respecting their rights to privacy, dignity and choice, and being aware at all times of their social and emotional wellbeing.
- Support the needs of the tenant within a community setting in accordance with their person-centered care and support plan.
- Support tenants to make choices in relation to engaging in activities in the home and within the wider community whilst ensuring that individual plans and individual choices are supported.
- Liaise and communicate effectively with other colleagues, tenants, advocacy services, carers (where appropriate) and other professionals in order to share knowledge, seek advice and co-ordinate the provision of care and support.
- Carry out administration duties within the household as directed and in accordance with the householder’s wishes, ensuring records are maintained to a satisfactory standard and that the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the support plans are achieved.
- Support householders to complete household tasks, also planning, preparation and serving of meals and general living skills, ensuring that individuals understand the need for safety and security of the home.
What you'll bring:
- Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
- A good understanding of adult social care legislation and standards, including safeguarding, mental capacity, health and safety and person‑centred practice.
- An understanding of the values and ethos of Supported Living, with a genuine belief in promoting choice, dignity, independence and inclusion.
- Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and/or complex needs, or strong transferable skills from a wider care setting.
- The ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, colleagues and professionals, using written, verbal and IT‑based methods.
- Strong organisation and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team.
- A caring, respectful and empowering approach, with the confidence to support assessed care needs while encouraging independence and life skills.
If successful, this role requires a DBS and 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 £29,540 - £32,061 pro rata
- 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.
- 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.