Skilled support, meaningful change.
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.
Big changes. Bold ambitions. A thriving space for social work - come be part of it.
As part of our response to Risk Outside of the Home: Radicalisation, Criminal and Sexual Exploitation, Teenage Relationship Harm, for children in need of protection and in our care, we provide focused support and interventions. We work alongside our children’s services and partner agency colleagues to improve understanding of children’s contexts and create greater safety. We want to ensure that children can thrive in their relationships and within their local communities.
We are currently recruiting for Intervention Workers to be part of our focused support and response to children and young people aged 10-17 years old at risk from harm outside of their home.
What you'll get to do:
* Deliver tailored intervention packages to young people at risk from harm outside of their home (sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, radicalisation, relationship harm) who have an allocated social worker, including children in our care, children in need, and those with child protection plans.
* Collaborate closely with experienced social workers to provide more intensive support and engagement.
* Work creatively and persistently with children and young people who are hard to reach, helping them exit and recover from harm experienced outside the home.
* Motivate and support young people in building relationships with key services that address their needs, such as education, health, and substance misuse support.
* Operate within a strengths-based relational practice framework, addressing behaviours linked to childhood trauma and contributing to assessments, statutory reviews, and sustained outcomes.
* Maintain accurate records in line with national and local authority guidance, uphold high professional standards, stay informed about relevant legislation and best practices, and work flexibly - (potentially including evenings and weekends - where appropriate).
What you’ll bring:
* NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline or equivalent.
* A current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.
* A strong understanding of different dimensions of contextual safeguarding, child and adolescent development (including the impact of trauma), safeguarding legislation and thresholds, current social issues affecting adolescents, and effective engagement strategies with young people and their families/carers is essential.
* Experience working in or alongside statutory social care services, particularly with children and young people who are hard to reach, have been groomed or exploited, or are in crisis situations.
* Proven ability to contribute to support plans, motivate young people to engage with services (e.g. education, health, substance misuse), and respond effectively to complex and high-pressure situations.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to make clear observations during direct work.
* You must be able to work independently, maintain professional boundaries, make defensible decisions during crises, and follow safe lone working practices.
If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s in it for you
* 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 Local Government Pension provides:
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases.
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. 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.
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.