Child and Family Social Work Practitioner - Pre Birth

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’ll 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’ll 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.

We are seeking applications from candidates who have significant experience of practising statutory child‑care social work in a multi‑disciplinary way, in addition to having knowledge of statutory and organisational contexts, corporate parenting responsibilities and Government policy contexts, and drivers. They must have demonstrable skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex and challenging families, formulating plans and interventions targeted at affecting change, coupled with the ability to analyse and evaluate complex situations and risk.

In addition, a strong candidate will also have experience in responding to issues of separation and loss for children and young people.

The successful applicant will hold a range of complex cases within a manageable caseload and will have a knowledge base that demonstrates a sound understanding of social work legislation, assessment and social work methodologies, including an awareness of systemic approaches. They will also have knowledge of child development across the age group and inhibitors to growth and development.

We’re currently recruiting experienced and passionate social workers to join our Safeguarding and Care Team. You’ll work with families at pivotal moments, ensuring children receive the right help at the right time, and supporting safe transitions to Child Protection, Looked After Children, or legal pathways when needed.

• Act as the lead professional for a caseload of Children in Need (CiN), looked after children, and child protection cases, delivering skilled assessments and purposeful, timely interventions aligned with policies and guidance.
• Opportunity to intervene directly using our Pre‑Birth model of intervention.
• Create and implement evidence‑based care and pathway plans that promote the child’s best interests and comply with service policies and procedures.
• Ensure all cases are regularly reviewed in line with individual needs and legislation, actively involving children, young people, and families in assessments, planning, and reviews.
• Support the educational aspirations and overall safety, health, and wellbeing of children and young people through intensive interventions and support.
• Foster effective multi‑disciplinary working across services – such as family hubs, schools, and specialist support – to deliver holistic, coordinated care.
• Work within the Council’s delegation framework, maintain accurate and timely records, and ensure all decisions and documentation reflect the child’s voice and journey.
• Continuously improve practice through training, supervision, and appraisal, contributing to service development and maintaining professional standards and registration.

• A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• A current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.
• Significant experience in statutory child‑care social work within multi‑disciplinary settings.
• Strong skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex families.
• A deep understanding of child development, social work legislation, and systemic approaches.
• Confidence in managing risk, responding to…