Be part of something ambitious - focused on early intervention and prevention.
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 us at a pivotal moment - where bold ideas and a thriving social work culture are shaping brighter futures.
As part of our Youth Justice Team, you will be part of a graduated response working with children and young people aged 10-17 years old. Children will be working with Early Help, Children in Need and Child Protection and will not have been subject to statutory Youth Justice involvement. This is focused on early intervention and prevention, working with children on the cusp of the youth justice service. This role will be our tier three offer: for children and young people at risk of becoming involved in serious youth violence where this involves the possession of a bladed article. You will take a whole family approach.
Do you want to come and be part of our award winning, ambitious and innovative teams?
As part of our Turnaround funding we are currently recruiting for a specialist Knife Crime Prevention Intervention Worker to provide bespoke packages of interventions including working alongside other professionals to offer a greater intensity of support aimed at prevention.
What you'll get to do:
* Provide a bespoke package of interventions for any young person open to children’s services (early help, child in need, child protection) who has been in the possession of a bladed article and referred via triage or via the Pol-Ed school pathway.
* Be part of reducing serious youth violence and supporting young people to develop ways of feeling safe and confident that do not pose a risk to them or to others.
* Motivate children and young people and support their connection and building of relationships with relevant services to address their needs such as education, substance misuse services and health.
* Work within a framework that is firmly underpinned by the principle of strengths based relational practice and address behaviours linked to childhood trauma.
* Maintain appropriate records using our internal systems and adhere to national and LA guidance on confidentiality and information-sharing.
* Maintain high professional standards and a commitment to developing knowledge of local, regional and national provision for children, young people and families, along with knowledge of new legislation, research and good practice
* To work within a flexible framework which will include evening, early morning and weekends where appropriate.
What you’ll bring:
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline or equivalent.
* A current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.
Knowledge
* Contextual Safeguarding.
* A thorough understanding of the factors which underpin knife crime and serious youth violence.
* Child and Adolescent Development.
* A working understanding of practice based on whole family approach.
* Social issues that adolescents face today.
* Safeguarding and Youth Justice practice and legislation.
Experience & Skills
* A proven ability to work alongside children, parents and carers who can be a challenge to connect with.
* Offering direct interventions, to facilitate the change process with a focus on possession of bladed articles.
* Being creative to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and parents/carers with a ‘can do’ approach.
* Responding to crisis situations for children, young people and families, using appropriate problem solving and negotiation skills.
* Developing support plans based on comprehensive assessments of need and risk.
* Motivating and engaging children and young people with services to address their needs, such as substance misuse, emotional mental health, education training and employment.
* A proven ability to be part of a multi agency team
* A proven ability to make defensible decisions at times of crisis and seek appropriate advice from line managers to inform decision making.
Personal attributes
* Care and compassion.
* A genuine motivation to bring out the best in someone.
* Willingness to work flexibly.
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.
* 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:
* 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.
* 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.
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. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. 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 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.