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.
Your Future in Social Work Begins Here Supported, Valued, Inspired.
At Gateshead our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential. This is supported by our desire to be the employer of choice amongst graduates. We want our NQSWs to become excellent social work practitioners who can build strong and trusting relationships with children and their families to achieve positive outcomes for the children and families of Gateshead.
By pursuing your career with Gateshead, we can guarantee you will have:
A senior leadership team that listens and care about you and your work.
Your base in the same building as all social work teams, allowing support not just from your allocated team but all services.
A culture which takes pride in and actively celebrates social work.
Excellent opportunities for career progression, whether you are a newly qualified social worker completing your assessment and supported year in employment with the support of our Social Care Academy, or a more experienced social worker looking to broaden your experience in order to step into management.
A protected time employee induction scheme.
Start Your Social Work Journey with Confidence Join Gateshead’s Academy as a NQSW!
Gateshead Council would like to offer you an opportunity to complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) within our innovative and supportive Academy which commences in March 2026.
As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) in Gateshead you will access a range of development opportunities within our Social Care Academy Team. Throughout your ASYE, the Academy will provide a learning culture where you will develop your range of skills and experiences. During your ASYE you will hold a protected caseload, and you receive high levels of supervision and support from the Academy; this will include the Academy Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager and Consultant Social Worker as well as allocation to your own Academy Mentor, an experienced social worker practicing within a social work team in Gateshead. The Academy team will be where you start your ASYE journey before moving into an allocated host team in Children’s Services, whilst continually supported through the Academy model.
You will be appointed on a permanent contract subject to your successful completion of your ASYE. During your ASYE after spending approximately 3 months in the Academy Team, you will be matched against a vacancy within one of the following teams; Assessment and Intervention, Safeguarding and Care Planning, Children in our Care and Children with Disabilities
For further information regarding what Gateshead can offer you please log onto Careers in children's social work - Gateshead Council
What you’ll bring Essential Criteria
* Professional Qualification & Registration
You’ll hold a recognised Social Work qualification (SW Degree, CQSW, DipSW, CSS) and be registered with Social Work England and have either a full driving licence with access to a vehicle or be actively working towards passing your test.
* Knowledge & Understanding
You’ll bring a solid understanding of key legislation such as the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014, and Mental Capacity Act. You’ll be familiar with relationship-focused and solution-focused practice, child development principles, and the statutory context of social work.
* Skills That Make a Difference
You’ll demonstrate strong assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports. You’ll be confident in engaging children, families, and professionals, using excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Competence in using IT systems to maintain accurate case records is essential.
* Experience & Approach
You’ll have experience (including placements) in assessment and care planning for children and families, and a track record of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners. You’ll be committed to continuous learning and development, ensuring your practice meets professional standards.
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: 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.
* 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 a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (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.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Zoe Hovells, Academy Team Manager and Meghan Hunter, Assistant Team Manager at ASYEacademy@gateshead.gov.uk with any questions or to arrange a time for a conversation.
If successful you will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure. You will also be asked to provide your final Placement report from your Practice Educator to help shape your professional development plan.
Additionally, if successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre Day firstly and if successful in this a face-to-face interview. The proposed date for the Assessment Centre is the 8th of December 2025, and the interview date will be the 11th of December 2025. We appreciate the timescales for this are soon, but we would like to complete our process as soon as possible for you.
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.
Previous applicants within the last 12 months need not apply.