Support Worker in Gateshead

Various shifts so a degree of flexibility is required to adapt to service needs providing cover when required to ensure continuity of care. Where compassion meets professional care. Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just 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.

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.

Be the difference that really counts

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a committed and compassionate Support Worker to join our team and work in partnership with service users and their carers to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care. In this varied and rewarding role, you’ll support individuals to maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life, while working closely with colleagues and professionals to ensure care plans are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with Gateshead Council and CQC standards. You’ll be supported through supervision, training, and development opportunities as you grow your skills and build a meaningful career in care.

What you’ll get to do

• Work in partnership with service users and their carers to plan and implement services based on assessed risk and needs, ensuring that effective and efficient service is provided, in accordance with council policy under the guidance and supervision of managers.
• Provide personal care and support to service users as required.
• Undertake key working responsibilities with service users in order to promote their quality of life.
• Liaise with professionals involved in the service user’s care plan.
• Assist managers in maintaining correct administrative records in line with the council policies and procedures, including financial records, Health, and Safety requirements and CQC requirements.
• Ensure that appropriate Health and Safety issues and moving and handling are carried out as given by managers in a way that ensures user safety and personal awareness.
• Attend mandatory and access personal development training via courses / workshops identified in supervision and attain NVQ competency.
• Work according to agreed shift patterns and provide cover in the absence of other staff as necessary.

What you’ll bring

• NVQ Level 2 in Care, equivalent qualification or be committed to working towards this with our support and training.
• Knowledge and experience of services for older adults, or a strong willingness to undertake training to build your understanding and skills.
• The ability to support care planning that puts the individual at the heart of decisions, helping people achieve their goals and maintain independence.
• A commitment to service user consultation and partnership to shape care that works for service users and their families.
• An awareness of Health and Safety responsibilities, understanding the importance of working safely, following health and safety legislation, moving and handling guidance, and risk assessments to protect yourself and others.
• Experienced in working collaboratively with colleagues, managers and other professionals, while confidently using initiative to manage workload and make day‑to‑day decisions in line with guidance and care plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively with service users, carers, colleagues, and professionals, both verbally and through accurate record‑keeping.

If successful, this role requires a DBS and you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future.
• 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. 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.