At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergency calls and coordinate support for residents in need.
- Company: South Tyneside Council, dedicated to community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, local pension scheme, and smarter travel options.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Compassionate communicator with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 15.31 - 15.31 £ per hour.
Be the calm voice when someone needs help most. Can you stay focused under pressure, think clearly when priorities change and reassure someone who is frightened or distressed? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to make a difference to people’s lives, join our Technology and Independence Service.
At the heart of our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), you’ll respond to emergency calls from residents who need help urgently. You’ll listen carefully, establish what is happening and liaise with our Responders and the Emergency Services to help coordinate the right support. This is dynamic, purposeful work: situations can change quickly, and your calm communication and attention to detail will matter when people need you most.
We’re looking for someone who combines compassion with composure: a clear communicator who can listen, prioritise competing demands and remain accurate under pressure. Some calls will be challenging and emotionally demanding. You’ll need to stay calm and professional, work closely with your team and keep the person needing help at the centre of your response.
You’ll also handle out-of-hours calls relating to Council and Housing services, working with colleagues and partners to help keep the Borough running around the clock. Your impact will extend beyond the control room. You’ll also work out in the community, installing and servicing assistive technology equipment prescribed by our assessment team to help residents stay safe and independent in their own homes.
Our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, working to TEC Service Authority (TSA) Quality Standards. This role follows a four days on, four days off rota, including weekends, with shifts of 07:00-15:00 and 13:30-21:30.
If you find purpose in helping others through difficult moments and want a varied role where calm thinking and kindness count, we’d love to hear from you.
We offer an excellent benefits package, including generous annual leave allowances, a local pension scheme and smarter travel options.
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.
For those posts where there is a requirement to either work in or enter a Care Quality Commission Regulated Care Home (CQC) it would be preferred but optional, that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless medical exempt) as a condition of employment.
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.
Closing date: Noon, 20 November 2026. Interviews will be held on 2 December 2026.
Technology and Independence Officer (Days), 28 hpw employer: South Tyneside Council
South Tyneside Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With opportunities for professional growth and development within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding children and families. The flexible working hours and competitive salary package further enhance the appeal of this rewarding role in South Tyneside.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology and Independence Officer (Days), 28 hpw
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at South Tyneside Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from South Tyneside Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like South Tyneside Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at South Tyneside Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology and Independence Officer (Days), 28 hpw
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to South Tyneside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Tyneside Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Tyneside Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.