Emergency Duty Team Social Worker​/AMHP; EDT

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.

The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) sits within Children’s Services and provides a critical out‑of‑hours response to safeguard children, adults and families when urgent needs cannot wait until the next working day. The team supports people in crisis including those experiencing child protection concerns, mental health issues, risks to vulnerable adults, or emergency situations such as police detentions or homelessness.

• 17:00 to 09:00 Monday to Thursday
• 16:30 Friday to 09:00 on Monday morning
• Covering all bank holidays

Working largely independently on shift, EDT social workers are supported by managers and an on‑call senior manager, and collaborate closely with a wide range of partners including police, health services, housing, foster carers, and out‑of‑hours care providers. The team plays a vital role in ensuring safety, coordinating emergency responses, and arranging immediate support through a strong multi‑agency approach.

• Provide urgent out‑of‑hours social work support to safeguard children, families and vulnerable adults.
• Assess risk and make timely decisions to protect the safety, wellbeing and liberty of individuals in crisis situations.
• Work collaboratively with families, carers and multi‑agency partners (including police, health and housing) to deliver effective emergency responses.
• Coordinate and arrange emergency resources and interventions to meet immediate needs until the next working day.
• Maintain accurate records, ensure clear handovers, and contribute to good practice by sharing knowledge, research and learning.
• Work across Children’s and Adult Services, liaising with out‑of‑hours provision such as Care Call, foster carers, housing services and intermediate care.
• Participate in training, supervision and service development, including supporting students and mentoring colleagues.
• Work flexibly as part of a rota covering evenings, weekends and bank holidays, including lone working with management support available.
• Uphold statutory duties and professional standards in safeguarding children and adults, using sound judgement and autonomy in complex situations.

• A recognised Social Work qualification, Social Work England registration, AMHP qualification (or willingness to work towards), enhanced DBS, and a full driving licence with access to a vehicle.
• Strong knowledge of legislation and frameworks across children’s and adults’ services, including safeguarding, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Care Act.
• Experience of statutory social work, including risk assessment, safeguarding practice, and managing complex and competing demands independently.
• Ability to work autonomously under pressure, make sound decisions, and take responsibility in high‑risk, time‑critical situations.
• Effective communication and partnership working skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple agencies and services.
• Strong understanding of key social issues including mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, disability, and their impact on individuals and families.
• Personal resilience, emotional intelligence, and a reflective, flexible approach with commitment…