Job Description

Children's Social Work Practitioner Disabled Children's Team

Grade I/J - 37,938 - 43,693 ( in acddition you will receive 5% recruitment and retention allowance)





We are seeking to recruit an experienced social worker to join our highly effective disabled children's team. You will join a highly motivated and stable staff group and work in partnership with children, their parents/carers and external agencies to provide an effective service to support families in caring for their child





The Disabled Children's Team is responsible for the statutory service provision to children who have a disability and assess, monitor and review Child in Need, Child Protection and cases in Care Proceedings. They also support Cared for children in their placements. The team is an integral part of Gateshead Children's Services and is managed alongside our Integrated Referral Team and Assessment and Intervention Teams.





You will work directly with children, young people and their families who require support and your work will include the completion of focused assessments. With proven experience in delivering statutory children's social care services, you will have knowledge of children's legislation, have excellent assessment skills, be a good communicator and be confident in delivering best outcomes for children and young people.



You must be a team player and be able to form positive relationships with parents /carers, colleagues and partner agencies.





If you are successful in being appointed to the post, you will be given access to a range of training and development opportunities, designed to strengthen your Continued Personal Development and equip you with the tools to perform your role to the highest standard of practice. Gateshead has a stable and skilled workforce, and social workers are valued and supported through manageable caseloads, reflective supervision, and accessibility to senior managers.





As an employee of Gateshead Council you will benefit from:




Great transport links with the use of reliable and frequent public transport and have access to a discounted Annual Pass. You will also have use of Co-wheel pool cars and access to the Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. Access to the flexi scheme which will allow you to work a 9-day fortnight Being a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Eligibility to access a range of other staff offers and discounts such as: + You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
+ Health Shield which provides a wide range of innovative products that help to improve long-term health and wellbeing via a health care plan.
+ O2 open discount scheme
+ Virgin Media partner discount scheme
+ Dell Advantage discount programme



By pursuing your career with Gateshead Council, we also can guarantee you will have:




A senior leadership team that listens and cares about you and your work Your base in the same building as all social work teams, allowing support not just from your allocated team but all services. Hybrid working - both working from the office base and home working A culture which takes pride in and actively celebrates social work. Excellent opportunities for career progression, whether you are a newly qualified social worker completing your assessment and supported year in employment with the support of our Social Work Academy, or a more experienced social worker looking to broaden your experience in order to step into management. A protected time employee induction scheme.




At Gateshead our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do - ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential.





We are an Ofsted "Good" rated local authority following our recent Inspection.





During the selection process candidates will be assessed against the essential criteria as set out in the job profile. All our job profiles are aligned to the Knowledge and Skills Statement for social workers and the salary offer reflects the calibre of applicant we are looking to attract.





For further information regarding what Gateshead can offer you please log onto Careers in children's social work - Gateshead Council





For an informal discussion, please contact Jane Skittrall 0191 4333574 or Kerry Heslop 0191 4333832.





If successful you will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure.