Job Description
Social Worker - Adults Social Care - Locality 1 Team
Due to the nature of the work this role may include working across teams and locations and outside of standard working hours.
Empower people. Promote independence. Change lives.
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 people to thrive, not just survive.
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.
Strengths-based practice. Meaningful outcomes. Real impact.
Are you passionate about helping adults achieve the best outcomes and live as independently as possible? Join our friendly and supportive Locality Team, where you'll work with adults with complex and long-term needs, using a strengths-based and person-centred approach to make a real difference in people's lives.
As a Social Worker, you will empower individuals and carers to build on their strengths, connect with local community resources, and access the right support at the right time. Working as part of a collaborative team of Social Workers, Assessing Officers, Senior Practitioners and managers, you'll undertake meaningful assessments, reviews and safeguarding work while promoting independence, choice and control in line with our Thrive agenda.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a service that values professional curiosity, reflective practice and innovation, where you'll be supported to develop your skills and make a positive impact on the wellbeing of Gateshead residents every day.
What you'll get to do:
- Undertake strengths-based assessments with adults and carers to identify needs, promote wellbeing and support independence.
- Manage a varied caseload, developing person-centred support plans that achieve positive outcomes and maximise choice and control.
- Complete reviews, risk assessments, Mental Capacity Act assessments and Best Interest decisions in line with relevant legislation and best practice.
- Safeguard adults at risk by identifying concerns, undertaking enquiries and working collaboratively to ensure people remain safe.
- Respond to urgent referrals and provide timely interventions to support adults with complex and changing needs.
- Work closely with health professionals, partner agencies, community organisations and families to deliver coordinated support.
- Identify and arrange appropriate care and support solutions, including the use of Direct Payments and Self-Directed Support where suitable.
- Chair and contribute to multi-agency meetings, case conferences and safeguarding discussions, advocating for individuals and promoting the best possible outcomes.
- Prepare high-quality assessments, reports and records to support decision-making and ensure statutory responsibilities are met.
- Support a culture of learning and professional development by sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of colleagues and students.
What you'll bring:
- Qualified Social Worker (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS), with a current registration with Social Work England.
- Full UK Driving Licence or access to mobility support.
- Experience of working with adults and carers, including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs or complex circumstances.
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding and associated statutory guidance.
- Skills in undertaking strengths-based assessments, managing risk and developing person-centred support plans that promote independence and wellbeing.
- Ability to analyse complex information, make informed decisions and maintain accurate records to support your professional practice.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with individuals, families, colleagues and partner organisations.
- Organisation and committment to continuous professional development, with the ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.
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.