Employment Support Worker

Employment Support Worker – 12 month Fixed Term Contract, Maternity Cover.

A flexible approach to work commitments is required in order to meet the changing needs of the service and service users, to work flexible hours when required which may involve early mornings, evenings / weekends.

Help people discover their potential and build brighter futures through employment.

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.

Empower, encourage and support people to achieve their career aspirations.

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.

Support potential. Create opportunities. Change lives.

Do you believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their career aspirations and enjoy the benefits that meaningful employment can bring?

As an Employment Support Worker within the GATES Team, you will play a vital role in helping adults with additional support needs find, secure and sustain paid employment within their local communities. Working in a person-centred way, you will support individuals to build confidence, develop skills, overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals. Through partnership working with service users, families, employers and professionals, you will help create opportunities that promote independence, inclusion and improved quality of life, making a lasting difference to the people you support.

What you'll get to do:

• Take a key role in focusing on the aspirations of service users to find paid employment, employment related opportunities and vocational learning to enable them to lead fulfilling lives in the community.
• Support individuals with diverse care and support needs through person-centred vocational planning, empowering them to achieve their goals, develop new skills, build confidence and engage in meaningful opportunities.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and regular reviews of their progress towards and in employment, working with the service user, carers, employers, GATES Team Leader and other key people involved in the service users care and support.
• Accurately record and report any concerns or changes in the service users’ health and well-being, including any behaviours of concern. Communicating effectively with colleagues, carers, employers and other professionals in order to share knowledge appropriately, seeking advice and coordinating effective service delivery.
• Support the administrative duties within the service as directed and in accordance with established policies and procedures, ensuring records are maintained to a satisfactory standard.
• Actively participate in team meetings, supervisions, Achievement and Development meetings. Attending all training as directed by the GATES Team Leader in accordance with mandatory training requirements and best practice.
• Deliver good quality, safe working practices and adhere to the quality assurance processes of the service. In accordance with the Quality Assurance Framework and best practice requirements of the Council. The service strives to follow the Supported employment fidelity model of good practice.
• To work independently in a hybrid manner and within a team, across the local area to secure employment opportunities for service users and maintain the work situations long term, to support the service.

To research employment situations and liaise with, and support, employers while monitoring the employees in the workplace to develop and maintain strong professional relationships.

What you'll bring:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care, Supported Employment or a related field, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• A full UK driving licence or access to mobility support.
• An understanding of employment support, benefits systems or local support services, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults or people with additional needs in a person-centred environment.
• Knowledge of disability, safeguarding, personalised support planning, and health and safety good practice.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, employers and partner organisations.
• A compassionate and empathetic approach, with a genuine commitment to promoting independence, choice and inclusion.
• Good IT, literacy and numeracy skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications and digital systems

If successful, this role requires a DBS and 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:
• 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 View email address on northeastjobs.org.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.