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Senior Social Worker – Children’s Social Care (Assessment & Intervention Team)

Location: Gateshead Council

Contract Type: Locum / Interim

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

Service Area: Children’s Assessment and Intervention Team

Make a Real Difference – Join Gateshead’s Children’s Social Care Team

At Gateshead, our vision is simple but powerful: every child and family matters. We are committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive, reach their potential, and feel safe, supported, and valued. Our child-centred, relationship-based approach is embedded across our services, shaping the way we support families and work together.

Following our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating (2024), we’re proud of our strengthened early help systems, community-based support networks, and restorative practice culture. As part of our continued investment in our workforce and service development, we’re expanding our Assessment and Intervention Team and are looking for skilled, passionate, and experienced Senior Social Workers to join us.

About the Role

This is a key opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority at an exciting time of growth. You’ll play a pivotal role in our Assessment and Intervention Team, working with children and families at crucial moments of need—from initial contact through assessment and intervention to case closure.

Your work will ensure that children receive timely and proportionate support, with safe and effective plans developed to address risk, promote resilience, and secure the best possible outcomes. You’ll also play a part in shaping our evolving practice model, helping to embed systemic and restorative approaches across the service.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake high-quality, timely assessments of children and families in accordance with statutory requirements and local procedures.
   

• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that reflect the child’s voice and promote their safety and wellbeing.
   

• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver coordinated and effective interventions that support positive change.
   

• Manage complex caseloads, balancing risk and protective factors to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
   

• Contribute to legal planning, Looked After Children reviews, and multi-agency strategy meetings where appropriate.
   

• Provide mentoring and guidance to less experienced colleagues, contributing to a culture of learning and reflective practice.
   

• Champion Gateshead’s values of kindness, transparency, and collaboration in all professional interactions.

What We’re Looking For

 
• Qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant experience in statutory children’s social care, particularly in assessment and intervention roles.
   

• Strong knowledge of child protection, safeguarding legislation, and systemic approaches to social work.
   

• Excellent communication, assessment, and decision-making skills.
   

• Confidence in managing risk, responding to complex family dynamics, and using the child’s voice to shape decisions.
   

• Access to a car or suitable mobility support to fulfil travel requirements.

Why Join Gateshead?

At Gateshead Council, we’re proud to be an ambitious, innovative, and supportive authority where social workers are empowered to thrive. We offer a progressive working environment with:

 
• Strong leadership and a culture of restorative and relational practice.
   

• Ongoing investment in staff development, supervision, and training opportunities.
   

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
   

• The chance to be part of an ambitious transformation programme shaping the future of children’s services.

Join Us

If you’re a dedicated, experienced, and child-focused practitioner looking to make a genuine impact, this is your opportunity to join a service that values both its workforce and the families it supports.

Interested? Apply today to become a Senior Social Worker with Gateshead Council’s Children’s Assessment and Intervention Team—and help us continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.