Overview
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. Join a team that makes a real difference to how people access care.
What You Will Do
The Commissioning Service plays a key role in ensuring adults, children, and families across Gateshead receive the right care and support at the right time. The team works closely with social care professionals, providers, health partners and wider council services to source high-quality placements, shape the provider market and make sure services deliver good outcomes for residents. As part of the Commissioning, Performance and Service Development function, the service is responsible for contract management, provider accreditation, data analysis, and maintaining robust systems that support effective decision-making. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, communication and problem-solving are essential to helping people access safe, appropriate, value-for-money care.
Help us find the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Responsibilities
* Be the first point of contact for all enquiries about care packages and placements, providing excellent customer service by phone, email and in person.
* Liaise with health and social care professionals to confirm requirements for assessed packages of care and placements.
* Source placements, support providers with electronic data updates, and ensure accurate information is held within commissioning systems.
* Maintain and develop information systems to record placement searches, track provider data and ensure accurate, timely payments.
* Collate data and produce reports that support strategic commissioning and service planning.
* Support the commissioning team to set up new contracts, including provider accreditation, monitoring, and review activity.
* Work closely with internal colleagues and external providers to ensure smooth processes, effective communication and high-quality service delivery.
* Contribute to the wider Commissioning Service in a flexible, team-focused way, responding to changing priorities and service needs.
What You Will Bring
* NVQ Level 3 in Business Admin (or equivalent) or relevant experience
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience using databases, financial/social care systems, and digital recording/monitoring tools.
* Experience of data input, retrieval, analysis and reporting, including use of spreadsheets and producing reports for managers.
* Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work sensitively with providers, partners and service users.
* Strong numeric and financial-monitoring skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
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: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: 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: 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.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions (after 12 months service).
* 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 (after 6 months service).
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. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. 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.
When Writing Your Statement, Please
* Use the key responsibilities and essential criteria listed in the advert to guide your response.
* Give clear, specific examples that show how you have demonstrated these skills or responsibilities in previous roles.
* Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or simply explain: what you did, how you did it, and what difference it made.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team. 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.
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