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’ll 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 for 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.
Step up. Support a home. Shape futures.
Our Children’s Social Care team works to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead, offering a focused and joined‑up approach to give 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 to support children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents and 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.
Gateshead Council is investing in the future of our cared‑for children through a growing network of residential homes. With four established homes and two more on the way, we provide safe, nurturing environments where young people can rebuild trust, re‑engage with education, and develop the skills they need for independence. Our homes are supported by a dedicated therapeutic team, including a mental health practitioner and psychologist, and are grounded in trauma‑informed, strength‑based care.
We’re proud to have all of our children’s homes rated as ‘Good or Outstanding’ by Ofsted. 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.
Where your leadership supports children to thrive
You should ideally have experience working with children and young people. We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds including social care, health and education. What matters most is your ability to connect and care for children and young people, understanding their lived experiences and being interested in and supporting them to be the very best they can be.
Our residential team is dynamic and committed to making a difference; we are passionate about the quality of care and what we have to offer as individuals and as a team. If you have what it takes to be part of something great then give us a call to hear more about what we do and what you can bring. You never know where this opportunity might take you.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to manage, support and supervise residential child care officers and domestic staff to ensure the delivery of an outstanding service to young people.
We provide mid‑to‑long‑term care for children and young people aged between 12 and 17 years at the time of admission. Our homes are open 365 days a year, including all bank holidays, and the successful candidate will be expected to work days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and to sleep in on a rota basis.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent.
* As part of the Gateshead Residential offer, all staff in management roles are supported to complete the Level 5 Diploma for Leadership and Management.
Experience & Knowledge
* A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with young people in a residential setting.
* Experience of writing and presenting reports; working in partnership with parents, young people, social workers and other partner agencies.
* Knowledge of current child care legislation including the Care Standards Act, Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards; key issues relating to looked‑after children and their families, particularly children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, adverse childhood experiences, trauma and attachment.
* Understanding of child protection issues, particularly within a residential setting, missing from care and sexual exploitation.
* All care staff working in a children’s home must be at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated.
Compensation & Working Conditions
* Competitive salary of £41,771 – £45,091.
* Children’s Residential Allowance of approximately £1,500 per annum for working evenings and early mornings.
* Two increments for weekend working, with a minimum of 10 % of working hours.
* Sleep‑in payments subject to the rota.
Successful applicants will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
What’s in it for you
* Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
* Outstanding pension scheme – learn more about what a Local Government Pension provides.
* Generous annual leave: 28 days rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 days can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Learning and development: access a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities.
* Health and wellbeing support: discounted gym memberships, mental health resources and more.
* Cycle-to-work scheme.
* Electric and hybrid car scheme – salary sacrifice car programme after 12 months of service.
* Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options on goods and services through our employee benefits platform after 6 months of service.
Our commitment to you
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels belonging, is respected and empowered to do their best work. Gateshead Council welcomes employees from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.
How to apply
You can apply online using the “Apply now” button below. In the form you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
Please be as detailed and specific as possible, especially with regard to any elements relevant to the role you are applying for.
For questions about your application, please email our recruitment team at recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk.
As a Disability‑Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. In high‑volume recruitment, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria. The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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