Activity Based Care Officer in Gateshead

Due to the nature of the work, this role requires a female worker. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Applications from women only will be considered. This role also requires a flexible approach to work commitments in order to meet the changing needs of the service, to work flexible hours when required which may involve early mornings and evenings.

Be part of a high-quality enablement service that puts people at the heart of everything. 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 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.

Empower adults with learning disabilities to grow, thrive, and live with confidence. 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.

Join us in creating life-changing moments, one enablement goal at a time. Are you passionate about empowering adults with learning disabilities to live more independent, confident and fulfilling lives? Join Gateshead Council as an Activity Based Care Officer and play a key role in delivering our Enablement Activity Based Care programme. You’ll work closely with service users, families and a supportive multidisciplinary team to deliver person-centred care, develop meaningful enablement plans, and champion positive experiences across our community and building-based settings.

If you’re driven by purpose, motivated by making a real difference, and ready for a role where no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll get to do:

• Deliver person-centred care and enablement plans for adults with learning disabilities across community and building-based settings, ensuring effective use of equipment and resources.
• Support service users in line with their care and support plans, helping them achieve enablement goals, build new skills, try new experiences, and develop confidence and community engagement.
• Contribute to planning, delivering and reviewing care plans, enablement goals and behaviour support plans in partnership with service users, carers and the wider ABC team.
• Monitor, record and report changes in service users’ health, wellbeing or behaviour, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Carry out essential administrative tasks in line with policies and procedures, maintaining high-quality and compliant records.
• Participate fully in team meetings, supervisions and development reviews, and complete all mandatory and role-specific training.
• Work to high standards of safety and quality, following quality assurance processes best practice in line with CQC requirements.
• Support service delivery across different disability day service hubs, enabling access to a range of activity-based programmes.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, carers and professionals to share information and coordinate safe and consistent support.
• Assist with the safe handling and administration of medication, following policy guidance and seeking advice where needed.

What you’ll bring:

• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Health and Social Care, or willingness to work towards it; plus competent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Understanding of person-centred care, personalised support planning, safeguarding adults, and the importance of quality standards.
• Knowledge of key policies, legislation and guidance relating to disability/older people, alongside strong health and safety and risk-awareness principles.
• Experience providing person-centred care to vulnerable people across different settings, including support with personal care and individuals with complex or mental health needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively within a team, and build positive relationships with service users, colleagues and partners.
• Confident using IT systems, mobile devices and (where required) electronic sensory equipment.
• Commitment to ongoing training and development, an empathetic and respectful approach, and the ability to promote choice, control and empowerment.

If successful this role will require an enhanced DBS.

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.
• 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.
• 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. Alternatively, if you’d like an informal discussion about the role then please contact Colin Bainbridge-Clarke, our Team Manager on ColinBainbridge-Clarke@Gateshead.Gov.UK or 07523 944 063.

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.