Overview
At Gateshead, our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do – ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential. Our plans for 2025 reflect this vision and ambition. We are recruiting an experienced social worker in the Kinship Team within Gateshead Council’s Children’s Services. The Kinship Team supports children remaining in their wider family network by assessing and supporting Kinship Carers, including completing regulation 24 viability and connected persons assessments to enable immediate placement with kinship networks. The role also involves preparing and supporting Kinship Carers through training, involvement in support groups and kinship events, and facilitating therapeutic assessments and funding applications where appropriate.
Gateshead Council recognises the positive impact of Kinship Care on a child’s wellbeing and outcomes and seeks to develop a robust support package for Kinship Carers. The role combines core statutory social work tasks with community social work, often in line with statutory regulations and National Minimum Standards, and requires knowledge of the Care Standards Act 2000 and Children Act 2002, including the National Minimum Standards and Regulations for Fostering.
Responsibilities
* Work within the Kinship Team to support children remaining in their wider family network.
* Assess and support Kinship Carers, including conducting Regulation 24 viability and connected persons assessments and facilitating placement into kinship networks.
* Assist with approvals for the Fostering Panel or Special Guardianship as required.
* Contribute to training for Kinship Carers and participate in Support and Focus Groups, Kinship Events, and related activities.
* Make applications for therapeutic assessment and support through relevant funds and partnerships.
* Collaborate across agencies to achieve the best outcomes for children, adhering to statutory regulations and professional standards.
* Apply knowledge of fostering regulations, social work legislation, assessment methodologies, and systemic approaches to practice.
Qualifications and Experience
* Recognised Social Work Qualification or equivalent (SW Degree, CQSW, Dip SW or CSS).
* Current registration with Social Work England and ongoing CPD.
* Current driving license and access to a car or mobility support.
* Significant experience in statutory child-care social work in a multi-disciplinary setting, with knowledge of safeguarding procedures, equality and diversity, and relevant government policy contexts.
* Ability to plan and deliver interventions for complex and challenging families, analyse risk, and respond to issues of separation and loss for children and young people.
* Understanding of fostering regulations, social work legislation, and child development across ages, with awareness of systemic approaches.
What to Expect / Working Environment
You will work across agencies to achieve best outcomes for children within a supportive team framework that offers opportunities for professional development and training.
Additional Information
Join Gateshead Council – Where People Make the Difference.
We are rated Good by Ofsted and on a journey to Outstanding. We promote a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace and are committed to reducing inequalities.
Benefits and Career Development
* Annual leave starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part-time), rising to 32 days, plus the option to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
* Flexi-time scheme (subject to management approval and business needs) up to 26 days per year.
* Career development: access to training and progression opportunities.
* Smart travel options: public transport links, discounted travel passes, car club, and Cycle to Work scheme.
* Pension in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Access to health and wellbeing resources and discounts on leisure facilities via partnerships and a new benefits platform.
What to Expect in the Selection Process
During the selection process, you’ll be assessed against the essential criteria outlined in the job profile. If successful, an enhanced disclosure will be required.
Discover More
Discover careers in children’s social work at Gateshead Council: Careers in Children's Social Work. For more information, refer to Gateshead Council’s careers resources.
Apply
Apply now and start your journey with a council that puts children first—and supports you every step of the way.
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