Family Help Practitioner

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.

Families First: working alongside families to create lasting change

The Family Help service is a dynamic, locality-based team delivering frontline support to children, young people and their families through a whole-family approach. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary Families First model, the team collaborates closely with social care, education, health and community partners to provide early help, reduce risk and build resilience. With a strong focus on relationship-based practice and prevention, the team plays a vital role in empowering families and improving long-term outcomes for children

The right support, at the right time, for every family.
What you will get to do

• Provide direct, frontline support to families through intervention, coordination of services and a whole-family approach.
• Lead and contribute to the Family Help process, including participation in multi-agency meetings such as Strategy and Child Protection Conferences.
• Undertake Family Help Assessments and develop multi-agency support plans in partnership with families and professionals.
• Identify, assess and manage risk in line with safeguarding procedures and child protection frameworks.
• Deliver practical support, advice and advocacy to families, helping them build capability and resilience.
• Facilitate parenting programmes and group interventions in community and home settings.
• Maintain accurate, timely records and contribute to quality assurance and performance frameworks.
• Work flexibly (including evenings and weekends where required) as part of a responsive, locality-based service.
• Contribute to a culture of reflective practice, learning and continuous improvement across the Families First team.

Building resilience, reducing need, transforming lives
What you will bring (Essential Criteria)

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as family support, early years, youth work, social care or housing.
• Experience of working with children and families in need or at risk, including delivering interventions and managing caseloads.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child development and the key issues affecting vulnerable families.
• Ability to assess needs, manage risk and contribute to effective multi-agency plans and interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage families and work collaboratively with professionals.
• Good organisational skills, including managing workload, recording casework and using IT systems effectively.
• A full driving licence with access to transport, and the flexibility to work across localities and outside standard hours where required

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.
• 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.