Child and Families Social Work Practitioner - Pre Birth Team in Gateshead

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.

Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.

We are seeking applications from candidates who have significant experience of practicing statutory child-care social work in a multi-disciplinary way in addition to having knowledge of statutory and organisational contexts, corporate parenting responsibilities and Government policy contexts and drivers. They must have demonstrable skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex and challenging families, formulating plans and interventions targeted at affecting change, coupled with the ability to analyse and evaluate complex situations and risk. In addition, a strong candidate will also have experience in responding to issues of separation and loss for children and young people.

The successful applicant will hold a range of complex cases within a manageable caseload and have a knowledge base which demonstrates a sound understanding of social work legislation, assessment and social work methodologies, including an awareness of systemic approaches. They will also have knowledge of child development across the age group and inhibitors to growth and development.

Now’s the time to join us. Our plans are bold, exciting, and focused on creating the best environment for social work to thrive.

Be Part of Something Special. We’re currently recruiting experienced and passionate social workers to join our Safeguarding and Care Team. You’ll work with families at pivotal moments, ensuring children receive the right help at the right time, and supporting safe transitions to Child Protection, Looked After Children, or legal pathways when needed.

What you'll get to do:

• Act as the lead professional for a caseload of Children in Need (CiN), looked after children, and child protection cases, delivering skilled assessments and purposeful, timely interventions aligned with policies and guidance.
• Opportunity to intervene directly using our Pre-Birth model of intervention.
• Create and implement evidence-based care and pathway plans that promote the child’s best interests and comply with service policies and procedures.
• Ensure all cases are regularly reviewed in line with individual needs and legislation, actively involving children, young people, and families in assessments, planning, and reviews.
• Support the educational aspirations and overall safety, health, and wellbeing of children and young people through intensive interventions and support.
• Foster effective multi-disciplinary working across services - such as family hubs, schools, and specialist support - to deliver holistic, coordinated care.
• Work within the Council’s delegation framework, maintain accurate and timely records, and ensure all decisions and documentation reflect the child’s voice and journey.
• Continuously improve practice through training, supervision, and appraisal, contributing to service development and maintaining professional standards and registration.

What you'll bring:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• A current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.
• Significant experience in statutory child-care social work within multi-disciplinary settings.
• Strong skills in planning and delivering interventions with complex families.
• A deep understanding of child development, social work legislation, and systemic approaches.
• Confidence in managing risk, responding to separation and loss, and using the child’s voice to inform decisions.

If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary £39,152 - £45,091 plus a 5% R & R allowance.
• 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.
• 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).

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.