Residential Child Care Officer

Overview

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.

“Help Gateshead’s children thrive—your care makes the difference.”

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.

Gateshead Council is investing in the future of our cared-for children through a growing network of residential homes. With four established homes and two more on the way, we provide safe, nurturing environments where young people can rebuild trust, re-engage with education, and develop the skills they need for independence. Our homes are supported by a dedicated therapeutic team, including a mental health practitioner and psychologist, and are grounded in trauma-informed, strength-based care.

We’re proud to have all of our Children's homes rated as ‘Good or Outstanding’ by Ofsted. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team—this is your opportunity.

“A career that changes lives—including yours.”

You should ideally have experience of working with children and young people. We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds including social care, health and education. What matters most is your ability to connect and care for children and young people, understanding their lived experiences and be interested in them and supporting them to be the very best they can be.

Our residential team is dynamic and committed to making a difference, we are passionate about our quality of care and what we have to offer as individuals and as a team. If you have what it takes to be part of something great then go ahead, give us a call to hear more about what we do and what you can bring.

You never know where this opportunity might take you.

You must be qualified to NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent or willing to work towards Level 4 within 18-24 months following appointment.

All care staff working in a Children's home must be at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated.

As this is a 24 hour service, 7 days per week, in addition to a very competitive salary of £32,061 - £39,152 pro rata you will also be entitled to an additional payment of Children’s Residential Allowance of approx. £1,500 per annum for working evenings and early mornings and you will receive two increments for weekend working of which you will work a minimum of 10% of your hours.

You will also receive sleep in payments subject to the rota.

If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that…