Residential Child Care Officer

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.

“Help Gateshead’s children thrive—your care makes the difference.”

What you will get to do

Our Children’s Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive.

Gateshead Council is investing in the future of our cared-for children through a growing network of residential homes. With four established homes and two more on the way, we provide safe, nurturing environments where young people can rebuild trust, re-engage with education, and develop the skills they need for independence. Our homes are supported by a dedicated therapeutic team, including a mental health practitioner and psychologist, and are grounded in trauma-informed, strength-based care.

We’re proud to have all of our Children's homes rated as ‘Good or Outstanding’ by Ofsted. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team—this is your opportunity.

“A career that changes lives—including yours.”

What you will bring (Essential Criteria)

You should ideally have experience of working with children and young people. We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds including social care, health and education. What matters most is your ability to connect and care for children and young people, understanding their lived experiences and be interested in them and supporting them to be the very best they can be.

Our residential team is dynamic and committed to making a difference, we are passionate about our quality of care and what we have to offer as individuals and as a team.? If you have what it takes to be part of something great then go ahead, give us a call to hear more about what we do and what you can bring.? You never know where this opportunity might take you.

You must be qualified to NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent or willing to work towards Level 4 within 18-24 months following appointment.

A full, valid UK driving licence is essential for this role, as regular travel between homes is required.

To apply for this job you must be at least 21 years old. The Children’s Homes National Minimum Standards states: “All care staff are at least 18 years old, and staff who are given sole responsibility for children or a management role are at least 21 years old. Within this requirement no person works in a children’s home unless they are at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated.” (Standard 17.11)

As this is a 24 hour service, 7 days per week, in addition to a very competitive salary of £33,119 - £40,444 you will also be entitled to an additional payment of Children’s Residential Allowance of approx. £1,500 per annum for working evenings and early mornings and you will receive two increments for weekend working of which you will work a minimum of 10% of your hours. You will also receive sleep in payments subject to the rota.

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:
• 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. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. 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.