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.
The Neighbourhoods & Localities team play a key role in several important areas, such as homelessness prevention work, older person’s housing support and case management of antisocial behaviour work. They do all of this and more, through proactive and strategic approaches that are designed to agree and deliver on local priorities via both internal and external partnerships. The team also offer a comprehensive housing service, managing over 17,000 properties through a team of housing officers, support staff, caretaking staff, concierge and handypersons.
This is a fixed term contract position until 31.03.2027
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Domestic Abuse Housing Outreach Worker. Based within the Neighbourhood Relations Team, reporting to the Partnership and Inclusion Coordinator you will be responsible for providing housing related outreach advice and support to victims of domestic abuse with the aim of overcoming barriers to housing and preventing homelessness.
You should have experience of working with people experiencing domestic abuse, as well as a good understanding of safeguarding practice and the challenges victims face, particularly in relation to housing.
You will contribute to multi agency arrangements for victims of domestic abuse, sharing relevant information and safety planning, including providing additional security in homes.
What you'll get to do:
Provide housingrelated outreach advice and support to victims of domestic abuse, helping them overcome barriers to housing, improving outcomes, and preventing homelessness.
Identify barriers to housing for victims of domestic abuse, use allocated funding to address these where appropriate, and identify potential service improvements within housing services.
Provide onetoone support and advice to victims of domestic abuse around housingrelated issues.
Deliver presentations on the progress and outcomes achieved by the service.
Liaise with other services and providers to ensure victims can access appropriate support services.
Record data, including outcomes achieved, for reporting and monitoring purposes.
Identify and respond to risks of harm by putting appropriate measures in place to reduce risk and support the victim.
Represent Housing at domestic abuse and partnership meetings where appropriate.
Work with colleagues in Housing Solutions, Supported Housing, and other partners to achieve effective, appropriate outcomes for victims.
Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Raise awareness within hardtoreach groups in the local community about domestic abuse, housing options, and available support.
What you will bring
* ICT packages, including Microsoft Office
* Knowledge of social housing
* 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent
* Experience working with victims of domestic abuse
* Excellent communication skills
* Good organisation and timekeeping skills, with the ability to prioritise
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
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.
* 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.