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.
Be the difference for children and families in Gateshead
Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.
Our Family Support and Family Time teams sit at the heart of Gateshead’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. We work directly with families to provide practical, evidence-based support and facilitate safe, meaningful contact where children are looked after or separated from their families. This is a dynamic, multi-agency environment where strong relationships, high-quality practice and a focus on the child’s voice drive everything we do. You’ll join a service that values reflective practice, continuous learning and making a genuine, lasting difference.
Lead with purpose. Support with impact. Transform lives.
What you will get to do
- Lead and develop high-quality, transformative family support services that create lasting positive change
- Oversee the operational management of Family Support and Family Time teams, ensuring safe, meaningful family support
- Provide reflective supervision, guidance and constructive challenge to staff to promote best practice
- Drive high standards of case recording, report writing and evidence-based practice
- Monitor performance and lead quality assurance and continuous improvement activity
- Support workforce development, staff wellbeing and professional growth
- Champion the voice of the child and ensure it is central to all work and recording
- Work collaboratively across agencies, representing the service in multi-agency forums and meetings
- Contribute to strategic service development, inspection readiness and improvement planning
- Create a positive, high-performing team culture through strong leadership and people management
- Deputise for the Team Manager when required
- Maintain your own professional development and leadership capability
Where leadership meets compassion in children’s services
What you will bring
- A recognised Level 3 (minimum) qualification in a relevant family support discipline, enhanced DBS, and ability to travel
- Strong knowledge of children’s social care legislation, safeguarding, national policy (including Family Hubs/Families First), and child development
- Significant experience working with vulnerable children and families, including frontline family support practice
- Proven experience of supervising or managing staff and developing high-performing teams
- Confidence in multi-agency working, risk assessment, and leading or facilitating meetings
- Excellent communication skills, including high-quality report writing and case recording, alongside effective IT skills
- A strong understanding of family assessment, support planning, reflective practice, and equality, diversity and anti-oppressive practice
Is 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.
- 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 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.