Assistant Team Manager - Family Help

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.

Families First: working alongside families to create lasting change

The Family Help service is a locality-based, multi-disciplinary team delivering high-quality support to children, young people and families through a whole-family approach. Working as part of the Families First Programme, the service brings together professionals across social care, family hubs, education, health and partner agencies to provide coordinated, early help and targeted interventions. The team is focused on strong relationships, reflective practice and continuous improvement to ensure better outcomes and lasting change for families

Building resilience, reducing need, transforming lives

What you will get to doport the operational leadership and day-to-day management of the Family Help Service within your locality.

• Provide supervision, guidance and line management to Family Help practitioners, supporting high-quality practice and decision-making.
• Represent the Families First service in multi-agency forums, ensuring coordinated responses to meet the needs of children and families.
• Promote staff wellbeing and development, identifying opportunities to strengthen practice and professional growth.
• Drive performance management and quality assurance activity, contributing to service improvement and inspection readiness.
• Work collaboratively with partners to develop and strengthen the Family Help offer across your locality.
• Lead on a thematic area of practice, contributing to service-wide development and innovation.
• Deputise for the Team Manager where required, contributing to leadership across the service.
• Maintain your own professional development and model strong leadership practice.

Putting children first by supporting the whole family

What you will bring

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. early help, youth work, education, housing or family support).
• Substantial experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families, including complex casework and risk management.
• Experience of supervising or managing practitioners, including supporting development and performance. [
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, relevant legislation, national policy and family support programmes (including Family Hubs and Supporting Families).
• Ability to lead multi-agency working, chair or contribute effectively to meetings and build strong partnerships.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills, with experience of recording, reporting and managing workloads.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or appropriate mobility support).

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.
• 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.