P114352 - Social Worker

We're looking for a Social Worker, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge in Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team...

Our Transitions Team is based within Adult Social Care in Gateshead. The team is made up of Social Workers, an Assessing Officer, Senior Practitioner and Team Manager who work closely with Children's Social Care colleagues and external partners. Our effective transition arrangements for young people include early assessment and care planning in preparation of adult social care support and beyond. The team's primary cohort are those aged 16-25, however, transitioning arrangements begin much earlier for those with the most significant needs.

We use a conversational approach, focusing on an individual's strengths and the community around them, supporting Gateshead residents to live thriving lives. Teams across the service provide assessment, intervention, and support in relation to an individual's social care needs with a focus on promoting wellbeing and independence, helping individuals take greater control over their lives by championing an early engagement model. Working in this way promotes the individual's access to other agencies and provides them with the tools to be both physically and mentally healthy, reducing their need for long-term provisions and re-enable them where possible.

About the role....

We are looking to recruit a Social Worker to join the team on a full-time permanent basis. The Team works with young people and their carers who have received support from children's services and/or who are likely to need social care support post 18. You will have knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation as well as some awareness of the challenges young people can experience when transitioning to adulthood, particularly where they have additional needs.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has excellent communication skills and is enthusiastic about the work we do. You will have a commitment to equal opportunities, anti-oppressive practice, and inter-agency working.

You will also have a commitment to continuous professional development in addition to a willingness to undertake relevant training, as required by the Local Authority. You will also have a current driving licence and access to a car or mobility support.

You must have a Social Work qualification or be pending successful completion of your final year at university studying the Social Work qualification (i.e. MA or BA in Social Work, Dip SW CQSW or CSS or equivalent). You must also have current registration with Social Work England or be pending successful completion of your final year at university studying the Social Work qualification.

Please see the Job profile for further details on the role.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative. Please click on the following link to see what life as an adult care social worker is like www.gateshead.gov.uk/ASCsocialworkers

• A commitment to continuous professional development.
• A current full driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.

• A willingness to undertake relevant training as required by the Local Authority.

A bit about Gateshead Council...

Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives.

Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who are in need of support.

We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you?

• You'll be paid a competitive salary plus additional allowances where relevant.
• You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme.
• You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme.
• We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle.
• You'll get a generous annual leave package starting at 26 days annual leave (+ 2 statutory days) for new employees, rising to 30 days (+ 2 statutory days) after 5 years continuous local government service.
• You will have the chance to purchase up to 10 additional holiday days per year (through salary sacrifice).
• We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend, including O2, Virgin Media and Dell
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme offering various discounts
• Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take up to 2 flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
• We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so.
• A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.

Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:

"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David.

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please read the full job profile to ensure that you meet the essential criteria for the post, as only applicants that meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile will be shortlisted.

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

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact: [email protected]

Job profile