At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for Adult Social Care enquiries and provide vital support.
- Company: Join South Tyneside Adult Social Care during an exciting transformation phase.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Adult Social Care and help people live fulfilling lives.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Join us at a time of innovation and transformation. Are you passionate about helping people? Do you thrive on making a difference from the very first conversation? This is an exciting opportunity to join South Tyneside Adult Social Care as an Enquiry Responder within our Let's Talk Team on a 2-year fixed-term contract. We're on an ambitious journey to transform how people access support, advice and information.
The Let's Talk Team is the first point of contact for Adult Social Care and Commissioning in South Tyneside. Every day, you'll help people access the right information, guidance and support at the right time, while contributing to the development of new ways of working that put people, communities and independence at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you're speaking with a carer seeking support, an individual concerned about their wellbeing, or a professional looking for guidance, you'll play a vital role in ensuring people receive the help they need and experience a positive first contact with our services.
What you'll do:
- Act as the first point of contact for Adult Social Care enquiries.
- Respond to telephone and written and digital communications.
- Provide clear, accurate and consistent information, advice and guidance.
- Support people with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, mental health concerns and safeguarding issues.
- Work with colleagues and partner organisations to connect people to appropriate services and community resources.
- Promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes through a strengths-based approach.
- Contribute to service development, helping us test, refine and embed innovative approaches to how people access Adult Social Care support.
What we're looking for:
- Experience working in a customer service environment.
- Communicates confidently and compassionately with a wide range of people.
- Enjoys problem-solving and finding practical solutions.
- Can work effectively in a busy team while managing competing priorities.
- Is adaptable, embraces change and enjoys being part of service improvement.
- Demonstrates empathy, professionalism and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
- Shares our passion for helping people live independent and fulfilling lives.
Why join us?
This is more than a customer service role, it's an opportunity to be part of an exciting period of transformation within Adult Social Care. Over the next two years, we'll be developing and implementing innovative approaches that make it easier for people to access information, advice and support, while strengthening our focus on prevention, independence and community-based solutions.
You'll have the opportunity to contribute to this journey, helping shape the future of our front-door services and the experience of people who contact us. Guided by the principles of the Care Act 2014 and our Let's Talk Together approach, we believe everyone has strengths, abilities and community connections that can help them achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where every conversation matters and where you can help shape the future of Adult Social Care in South Tyneside, we'd love to hear from you.
We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here - www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship. Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
Closing date: Noon, 13 September 2026. Interview will take place on 24 / 25 September 2026.
Enquiry Responder – Let’s Talk Team employer: South Tyneside Council
Jarrow School is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff well-being and work/life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education. Located in South Tyneside, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive while contributing to the development of young people. With a strong commitment to professional growth and a culture rooted in Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, Jarrow School offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Enquiry Responder – Let’s Talk Team
✨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 South Tyneside 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 Enquiry Responder – Let’s Talk Team
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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside 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 Enquiry Responder – Let’s Talk Team role at South Tyneside 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 South Tyneside Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
