Team Manager – Children & Families Social Work Location: Gateshead
Pay Rate: £38 per hour
️ Contract Type: Temporary/Agency
Ideally located for travel from Gateshead, Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Darlington, Hartlepool & surrounding areas.
Make a Difference. Lead with Purpose.
Are you an experienced and passionate leader in children’s social care? Gateshead Council is looking for a Team Manager to join our Children & Families Service, where your leadership can change lives and shape the future for vulnerable children and young people.
In this pivotal role, you’ll lead and support social work teams to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality interventions. You’ll be responsible for supervising and developing Advanced Practitioners and Social Workers, embedding reflective, strengths-based practice and ensuring we consistently put the voice of the child at the centre of everything we do.
Your Key Responsibilities
1. Lead, coach, and develop social work practitioners to achieve excellent outcomes for children and families.
2. Drive performance, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across the team.
3. Chair complex planning and strategy meetings, ensuring decisions are timely, well-evidenced and child-focused.
4. Work collaboratively across multi-agency settings including schools, family hubs, and health professionals.
5. Contribute to service development and transformation, ensuring policies and procedures reflect best practice.
6. Promote a learning culture where staff feel supported, valued, and able to grow.
7. Ensure accurate, timely case recording that reflects the child’s journey.
What We’re Looking For
Qualified Social Worker – SWE registered, with a recognised qualification (SW Degree, CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent)
Level 3 Social Worker with leadership experience
Strong understanding of relevant legislation (Children Act 1989, 2014 etc.)
Skilled in complex casework, risk assessment, and managing challenging situations
Experience supervising or mentoring staff and supporting professional development
Reflective practitioner with excellent analytical, communication, and organisational skills
Enhanced DBS & a full driving licence (or working towards passing)
Desirable (but not essential)
8. Practice Educator (Level 2)
9. Budget management experience
10. Knowledge of systemic, strengths-based, or solution-focused practice models
What You’ll Bring
You’re a resilient, child-centred leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You can balance operational demands with a commitment to high standards, and you’re passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Why Join Gateshead?
11. Work in a supportive and ambitious local authority committed to learning and innovation
12. Join a team where your leadership genuinely matters
13. Be part of a service where children’s voices are heard and respected
14. Receive ongoing support, training, and development opportunities
Not the Role for You?
We recruit across all areas of Qualified Social Work, including: MASH | Court | Child Protection | Children in Need | Looked After Children | Adult Services | IRO | BIA | Service Manager roles & more.
We also offer generous referral bonuses, so if you know someone perfect for the role, let us know!
Ready to take the next step in your social work leadership journey? Apply now and help shape brighter futures.