Family Practitioner

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 Family Help service is a dynamic, locality-based team delivering frontline support to children, young people and their families through a whole-family approach. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary Families First model, the team collaborates closely with social care, education, health and community partners to provide early help, reduce risk and build resilience. With a strong focus on relationship-based practice and prevention, the team plays a vital role in empowering families and improving long-term outcomes for children.

• Provide direct, frontline support to families through intervention, coordination of services and a whole-family approach.
• Lead and contribute to the Family Help process, including participation in multi-agency meetings such as Strategy and Child Protection Conferences.
• Undertake Family Help Assessments and develop multi-agency support plans in partnership with families and professionals.
• Identify, assess and manage risk in line with safeguarding procedures and child protection frameworks.
• Deliver practical support, advice and advocacy to families, helping them build capability and resilience.
• Facilitate parenting programmes and group interventions in community and home settings.
• Maintain accurate, timely records and contribute to quality assurance and performance frameworks.
• Work flexibly (including evenings and weekends where required) as part of a responsive, locality-based service.
• Contribute to a culture of reflective practice, learning and continuous improvement across the Families First team.

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as family support, early years, youth work, social care or housing.
• Experience of working with children and families in need or at risk, including delivering interventions and managing caseloads.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child development and the key issues affecting vulnerable families.
• Ability to assess needs, manage risk and contribute to effective multi-agency plans and interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage families and work collaboratively with professionals.
• Good organisational skills, including managing workload, recording casework and using IT systems effectively.
• A full driving licence with access to transport, and the flexibility to work across localities and outside standard hours where required.

• 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…