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.
Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.
Step up and make a difference every day.
The Emergency Duty Team provides critical out-of-hours social work services to safeguard and support vulnerable children, families, and adults in urgent need. Operating evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, EDT ensures that those facing crisis receive timely intervention, protection, and care when regular services are unavailable. Our team works collaboratively across agencies to deliver safe, effective emergency responses and uphold statutory duties.
Lead with purpose. Support when it matters most
We are recruiting for an Assistant Team Manager
What you'll get to do:
* Provide management oversight for out-of-hours urgent social work services, safeguarding the liberty, well-being, and safety of children, families, and adults needing urgent support.
* Assist the Team Manager with operational management, ensuring high standards of service and collaborative working with other professionals.
* Work on a rota system, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, providing direct support alongside the team.
* Undertake the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) role as part of your duties.
* Maintain accurate records, ensure timely handovers, and promote consistent good practice across the service.
* Collaborate with professionals and agencies to deliver safe emergency responses and effective decision-making.
* Join up with colleagues across Children’s Services, Adult Services, and other Council teams to ensure high-quality assessments and interventions.
* Identify and organise resources creatively to meet urgent needs and ensure welfare until the next working day.
* Provide supervision for a specified group of staff and actively participate in your own supervision and service meetings.
* Support professional development within the team, including mentoring, induction, and involvement in audits and dip sampling.
* Work agilely and independently, including lone working, using technology securely and confidentially.
* Produce clear, concise written reports and handover documents, offering guidance and management oversight during shifts.
What you'll bring:
* Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration and post-qualifying experience.
* Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification.
* Strong knowledge of children’s and adult legislation, safeguarding procedures, and risk assessment. (Children: Childcare legislation, Children Act, child protection procedures, safeguarding, child development, multi-agency responsibilities. Adults: Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, safeguarding adults procedures, risk assessment.
* Proven ability to manage risk, prioritise competing demands, and work autonomously under pressure.
* Experience delivering statutory social work interventions and collaborating across agencies.
* Enhanced DBS clearance, current driving licence, and access to a vehicle.
* Resilient, reflective, and committed to continuous professional development.
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 salary £46,142 - £49,282 plus a 15% R & R allowance. You will also receive an EDT allowance of £9,856. Bank Holiday work is paid at double time.
* 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.
* 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 link 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.