Children and Families Support Worker

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Gateshead Council is committed to enabling Gateshead to thrive by caring for the community and its people. We value creativity, a healthy work/life balance and support employee wellbeing with flexi‑time, hybrid working and comprehensive benefits.

As part of the Specialist Support Service in Children’s Social Care, you will work in a busy, supportive team that delivers high‑quality, evidence‑based interventions to children and families. You will collaborate closely with social workers, multi‑agency partners and the families themselves to secure safe, supportive environments and promote resilience and independence.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families to support their health, wellbeing and development.
• Deliver high‑quality, evidence‑based interventions aligned to children’s social care plans.
• Provide advice, support and advocacy using a whole‑family approach to improve outcomes for children.
• Contribute to assessments and support planning, identifying need and managing risk in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Write clear, analytical reports and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case records.
• Supervise family time for looked‑after children, ensuring safe, meaningful contact and recording observations.
• Transport children and families to support contact arrangements and service delivery.
• Lead or co‑facilitate parenting programmes and group interventions in community and home settings.
• Work within a duty system, responding to new or escalating needs identified by partner agencies.
• Collaborate effectively with multi‑agency professionals to deliver coordinated support.
• Maintain high professional standards, keeping up to date with legislation, research and best practice.
• Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends where required, to meet the needs of families.
• Contribute to inspections and continuous service improvement activity.

• Strong experience working with vulnerable children and families, including direct interventions and managing risk.
• Sound knowledge of child development, the Children Act, safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Ability to build effective relationships and work in partnership with a wide range of professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, recording and presenting information clearly.
• Experience of assessing needs and developing support plans using recognised frameworks.
• Ability to manage workload effectively, work independently and maintain professional boundaries.
• Relevant Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification, plus driving licence/access to transport and confidence using IT system.

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding pension scheme investment in your future.
• Generous annual leave: 28 days rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 can be fixed by the Council) with option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible working: up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
• Hybrid and flexible working options to support a healthy work‑life balance.
• Learning and development: access to a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing support including discounted gym memberships and mental health resources.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric or hybrid car scheme via salary sacrifice (available after 12 months service).
• Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options on shopping, travel, white goods, electronics, etc. (available after 6 months service).

We are an equal opportunities employer and create a workplace where staff feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered. 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.

Apply online through the Gateshead Council website. Include details of your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. The Council reserves the right to close the vacancy early or adjust short‑listing criteria.

The Council does not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation.