Support Worker

Support Worker - Promoting Independence, Recovery, Recuperation, helping people achieve their goals.

Full Time Opportunity - £26,427 - £26,847 with opportunity for permanent additional allowances suring weekend working, alternating shifts and bank holidays.
3 week shift pattern working between 7:30am-4:00pm and 12:30pm-9:30pm, working 2 weekends out of 3.

Who we are and 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 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 a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Support independence. Build trust. Change lives.

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? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at Sister Winifred Laver, a short stay residential service our focus is recovery recouperation and and reablement, supporting older adults to maximise their independence and achieve positive outcomes.

As a Support Worker, you will provide high-quality person-centred care and support to individuals with a range of physical, health and cognitive needs. You will work alongside colleagues, families and health professionals to promote independence, dignity, choice and wellbeing.

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 to achieve their goals.
• Promote independence to complete own personal care but support to service users as required.
• Ensure effective and efficient service is provided, in accordance with council policy under the guidance and supervision of managers.
• Undertake key working responsibilities with service users in order to promote their quality of life.
• Liaise with health professionals involved in the service user’s care plan.
• Assist managers in maintaining correct administrative records in line with the council policies and procedures. To include 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.

What you'll bring:

• NVQ Level 2 in Care, equivalent qualification or be committed to working towards this with our support and training.
• Strong knowledge and experience working within services for older adults.
• 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 to promote independence.
• 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.
• Experience in working collaboratively with colleagues, managers and other health 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.

This is a rerun of a campaign, previous applicants need not apply.

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.
• 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.