Overview
Support carers. Empower individuals. Strengthen communities.
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.
Support carers to deliver safe, skilled and life‑enhancing care.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.
Your support. Their independence.
We’re looking for a committed and people‑focused professional to help deliver our Shared Lives service, supporting adults to live meaningful, independent lives in family-based settings. You’ll help recruit and support Shared Lives Carers, ensure high-quality and compliant care, and facilitate strong matches between individuals and carers. This role is key to maintaining safe, person‑centred support, empowering carers, and ensuring the voices of those using the service shape how we grow and improve.
What you'll get to do:
* Support the effective delivery and daily operation of the Shared Lives service, ensuring compliance with CQC regulations, service policies and procedures, and maintaining accurate records to inform decision‑making.
* Assist with the recruitment, assessment and approval of new Shared Lives Carers, ensuring all required documentation and processes are completed to a high standard.
* Monitor and advise Shared Lives Carers to ensure safe, high‑quality, and compliant care within their homes, in line with health and safety legislation and individual support plans.
* Facilitate key meetings and activities, including Approval Panels, carer support groups, and engagement meetings for people who access the service.
* Support Shared Lives Carers to develop their skills and good practice, while monitoring the wellbeing, independence and community inclusion of the individuals they support.
* Coordinate the matching process between individuals, Shared Lives Carers, families and professionals, ensuring effective communication and collaborative working across all parties.
* Promote continuous service improvement through carer supervision, incorporating the views of people using the service, completing administrative and quality monitoring tasks, and participating in learning and development activities.
What you'll bring:
* Minimum of a Level 2 National Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification).
* Understanding of legislation relating to people with disabilities or vulnerable adults, including the Care Act 2014 and Equalities Act 2010.
* Knowledge of Safeguarding Adults, the Mental Capacity Act, and key issues affecting people with disabilities.
* Awareness of the Shared Lives model and its regulatory requirements, including CQC Key Lines of Enquiry.
* Ability to use a range of IT systems effectively.
* Understanding and application of positive risk‑taking in social care practice.
* Supporting vulnerable adults in a care or community setting.
* Working both independently and as part of a team.
* Strong written, verbal and electronic communication skills.
* Experience working in partnership with external professionals and agencies.
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.
* 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.
* 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 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 or if you would like to discuss the vacancy in more detail, please contact Jon Laws on JonLaws@Gateshead.Gov.UK or call 0191 433 4492
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.
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