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 there for children when it matters most
Our Family Time service plays a vital role in supporting children in our care to maintain safe, meaningful relationships with their families. Working at the heart of Children’s Social Care, the team facilitates and deliver family time in a way that prioritises the child’s wellbeing, voice and experience. This is hands-on, impactful work where no two days are the same—you’ll be part of a supportive team that values professionalism, flexibility and delivering high-quality services that make a real difference to children and families
Support connections. Safeguard futures.
What you will get to do
- Delivers family time sessions to ensure children experience safe, positive and high-quality family time with their families
- Observe, record and report on interactions, ensuring accurate and up-to-date case recording
- Transport children to family time, including travel outside the borough where required
- Contribute to reports for meetings and reviews, maintaining high standards of confidentiality and information sharing
- Support children and families through direct work and engagement during family time sessions
- Work flexibly, including evenings, mornings and weekends, to meet the needs of families
- Work both independently and as part of a team to deliver consistent, high-quality support
- Maintain professional standards and keep up to date with legislation, research and best practice
- Contribute to service improvements and inspections where required
Be the steady support families rely on
What you will bring
- A full driving licence and access to transport (or ability to meet mobility requirements)
- Experience working with children, young people and families, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk
- Knowledge of child development, safeguarding processes and the challenges facing families
- Strong communication skills, including clear report writing and the ability to build relationships
- Ability to manage your workload, work independently and respond flexibly to service needs
- Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and safe lone working practices
- Commitment to equality, diversity, anti-oppressive practice and delivering inclusive support
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.
- 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
- 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.