Child and Family Social Work Practitioner - Disabled Children's Team

Salary £40,444 - £45,579 + 5% Temporary Recruitment and Retention Allowance

Who we are & what we stand for

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.

Make a difference where it matters most. Help disabled children and young people thrive, achieve, and reach their full potential.

Our Children with Disabilities Team is a dedicated and passionate group of professionals committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled children and young people. Bringing together experienced social workers, a reviewing officer, and a supportive management team, we provide specialist assessments, planning, and interventions tailored to individual needs. Working closely with families, schools, health colleagues, and partner agencies, we help children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes while ensuring they are safe, supported, and able to thrive. We are proud of our relationship-based approach, working alongside families to deliver meaningful change and promote positive futures.

Every child deserves opportunities, support, and a voice. Join us and help create brighter futures for children with disabilities.

As a Social Work Practitioner, you will take a lead role in supporting disabled children and young people, ensuring their voices remain at the centre of all decision-making. You will:

• Manage a varied caseload of children in need, children subject to child protection plans, and looked after children, delivering high-quality assessments and interventions.
• Develop and implement outcome-focused care plans and pathway plans that promote children's best interests.
• Build strong relationships with children, young people, families, and carers, ensuring they are fully involved in assessment, planning, and review processes.
• Promote the safety, health, wellbeing, and development of children through purposeful interventions and support.
• Champion educational achievement, helping children and young people to reach their potential and aspirations.
• Work collaboratively with schools, health services, family hubs, specialist services, and partner agencies to provide coordinated support.
• Undertake assessments of need and risk, providing clear analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate case records that clearly evidence the child's journey and lived experience.
• Participate in service development activities, contributing to continuous improvement and high standards of practice.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development, supervision, and learning to maintain Social Work England registration.

Supporting children with disabilities to live their best lives starts with exceptional social workers. Could that be you?

What you will bring:

• A recognised Social Work qualification, Social Work England registration, and a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for children and families.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and safeguarding practices relating to children and young people.
• Experience of working within statutory children's social care and supporting children, young people, and families through assessment and intervention.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, report-writing, and decision-making skills, with the ability to place the child at the centre of practice.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with families, colleagues, and partner agencies.
• A creative, solution-focused approach that promotes positive change and helps children achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage competing priorities effectively.

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 £40,444 - £45,579 + 5% Temporary Recruitment and Retention Allowance
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• 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).

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

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.