At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate family time sessions, ensuring children have safe and positive experiences.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to community care and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, outstanding pension, health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong communication skills, and a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who We Are & What We Stand For
We are Gateshead Council, committed to enabling Gateshead to thrive with a forward‑thinking approach to caring for our community. We pride ourselves on ambition and the spirit that our employees bring. We value flexibility, high standards and a focus on work‑life balance, offering flexi‑time, hybrid working and a suite of benefits.
Be there for children when it matters most
The Family Time service supports children in our care to maintain safe, meaningful relationships with their families. As part of the Children’s Social Care team, you will facilitate and deliver family time that prioritises children’s wellbeing, voice and experience. This is hands‑on, impactful work where no two days are the same. Support connections. Safeguard futures.
What you will get to do:
- Deliver family time sessions to ensure children experience safe, positive and high‑quality family time.
- Observe, record and report on interactions, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date case recording.
- Transport children to family time, including travel outside the borough where required.
- Contribute to reports for meetings and reviews, maintaining high standards of confidentiality and information sharing.
- Support children and families through direct work and engagement during family time sessions.
- Work flexibly, including evenings, mornings and weekends, to meet the needs of families.
- Work both independently and as part of a team to deliver consistent, high‑quality support.
- Maintain professional standards and keep up to date with legislation, research and best practice.
- Contribute to service improvements and inspections where required.
What You Will Bring:
- A full driving licence and access to transport (or ability to meet mobility requirements).
- Experience working with children, young people and families, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk.
- Knowledge of child development, safeguarding processes and the challenges facing families.
- Strong communication skills, including clear report writing and the ability to build relationships.
- Ability to manage your workload, work independently and respond flexibly to service needs.
- Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and safe lone working practices.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, anti‑oppressive practice and delivering inclusive support.
If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure. We will conduct an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as part of the recruitment process.
What’s In It For You:
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding pension scheme.
- Learning & development: a range of training and progression opportunities.
- Health & wellbeing support: discounted gym memberships, mental health resources.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric & hybrid car scheme after 12 months service.
- Exclusive discounts and salary sacrifice options after 6 months service.
Our commitment to you:
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to provide a culture where everyone feels belonging, respect and empowerment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Family Time Worker - Sessional in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Our Family Time Workers play a crucial role in safeguarding children's futures while enjoying competitive benefits, including a robust pension scheme and health and wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Time Worker - Sessional in Gateshead
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Gateshead Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Time Worker - Sessional in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Gateshead Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Gateshead Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Gateshead Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Family Time Worker - Sessional role at Gateshead Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Gateshead Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
