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.
Our plans for 2025 reflect this vision and ambition!
Do you want to come and be part of our award winning, ambitious and innovative teams?
At the heart of our Safeguarding and Care Planning service is a belief in strength-based, relational social work. We address the root causes of trauma and work to rebuild and strengthen child-parent relationships. Our team manages cases involving child protection plans, legal proceedings, and children looked after under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989. We also retain some Children in Need cases to maintain continuity and trust built with families.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced social worker in the Kinship Team within Gateshead Council’s Children’s Services.
The Kinship Team strives to support children remaining in their wider family network, by assessing and supporting Kinship Carers. This includes completing regulation 24 viability and connected persons assessments to allow for those children unable to remain living with their birth family to be placed immediately into their wider family or friends network. This will also include conducting assessments for approval to the Fostering Panel or for Special Guardianship.
Gateshead Council recognise the positive impact placing children in Kinship Care can have on a child's overall wellbeing and outcomes. We are committed to developing our support package to our Kinship Carers; the Experienced Social Work role also involves contributing to Preparation Training for Kinship Carers, attendance at Support and Focus Groups, participating in our Kinship Events and making applications for therapeutic assessment and support through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. This is an exciting role in an expanding team that combines core statutory social work tasks alongside community social work. You will often work in line with statutory regulations and National Minimum Standards and ensure the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000 and Children Act 2002 are met, therefore having knowledge of the National Minimum Standards and Regulations for Fostering is needed.
Kinship Care has a great focus within the Children's Social Care Reform, joining the Kinship Team will also allow you to become part of the Kinship Care Strategy recently published by the Government - Championing kinship care: national kinship care strategy - GOV.UK (
You will have significant experience of practicing statutory child-care social work in a multi-disciplinary way in addition to having knowledge of statutory and organisational contexts, corporate parenting responsibilities and Government policy contexts and drivers. You will have experience of practising Social Work in a statutory setting and within statutory frameworks, applying legislation frameworks and statutory guidance. You will have an understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures and practices along with an understanding of equality and diversity.
You will have demonstrable skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex and challenging families, formulating plans and interventions targeted at affecting change, coupled with the ability to analyse and evaluate complex situations and risk. In addition to this they will also have experience in responding to issues of separation and loss for children and young people and have worked intensively with families and children who are at risk of harm.
Your knowledge base will demonstrate a sound understanding of the fostering regulations, social work legislation, assessment and social work methodologies, including an awareness of systemic approaches. You will also have knowledge of child development across the age group and inhibitors to growth and development.
You will work across agencies to achieve best outcomes for children and be part of an experienced, supportive team where there are great training opportunities to support your professional development.
It is essential that you hold a recognised Social Work Qualification or equivalent (SW Degree, CQSW, Dip SW or CSS) and can demonstrate ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and are registered with Social Work England. You must hold a current driving license and have access to a car or means to mobility support.
Join Gateshead Council – Where People Make the Difference
At Gateshead Council, we believe that “The strength of Gateshead is the people of Gateshead.” In challenging times, we stand together—supporting our communities, championing families, and putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
We’re proud to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and we’re on an ambitious journey to become ‘Outstanding’. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team—this is your opportunity.
Why Work With Us?
You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
Career Development: Access to excellent training and progression opportunities.
Smart Travel Options: Great public transport links, discounted travel passes, Co-wheels car club, and Cycle to Work scheme.
Pension Security: Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping
A Place for Everyone
We celebrate diversity, culture, and heritage, and we’re committed to reducing inequalities. Gateshead is a place where everyone should feel welcome, included, and empowered to thrive.
What to Expect
During the selection process, you’ll be assessed against the essential criteria outlined in the job profile. If successful, you’ll be required to complete an enhanced disclosure.
Discover More
Discover more about careers in children’s social work at Gateshead Council: Careers in Children's Social Work
Apply now and start your journey with a council that puts children first—and supports you every step of the way.
Job Profile