Care Assistant

North East Combined Authority; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Pension Scheme

28–32 days annual leave + 10 extra

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Learning & Development

Health & Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme

Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice

Job summary

Gateshead Council is recruiting for a care role at Grove House to support children and young people with disabilities. The job is 21 hours per week on a rota, pro rata salary of £30,515–£33,119, with hybrid working and a strong benefits package.

You will provide personal and emotional support, promote independence, and work with families and professionals to implement care plans. A Level 3 qualification is required or you must be willing to work towards it.

Qualifications

• Experience in safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people.
• Strong communication with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
• Flexible, caring and proactive approach with commitment to training and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional, behavioural, personal care, hygiene and safety support to children and young people.
• Promote independence while respecting dignity and rights of service users.
• Build positive relationships and support wellbeing.
• Work with care plans and review progress with families and professionals.
• Plan and support activities at home and in the community.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care plans.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexible

Education

Level 3 Caring for Children & Young People

Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce

Job description

21 hours per week on a rota basis. Salary £30,515 - £33,119 pro rata to part time hours

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.

Be the difference in a child's day, every day.

Grove House provides short break care and support for children and young people with disabilities, offering a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment where they can enjoy new experiences, build confidence and develop independence. Working closely with families, carers and professionals, our team is committed to delivering high-quality person‑centred care that promotes wellbeing, choice and positive outcomes for every child and young person who accesses the service.

Small moments of care. Lifelong impact.

What you will get to do:

• Provide emotional, behavioural, personal care, hygiene and safety support to children and young people using the service.
• Promote independence whilst respecting the dignity, privacy, choice and individual rights of service users.
• Build positive relationships with children and young people and support their emotional and social wellbeing.
• Work effectively with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to implement and review care plans.
• Plan, organise and support activities both within the home and in the community, ensuring individual needs and preferences are met.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of care plans.
• Support children and young people safely, following individual risk assessments and care plans.
• Administer medication following appropriate training and procedures.
• Undertake domestic and laundry duties to help maintain a clean, safe and welcoming home environment.
• Work flexibly, including during school holiday periods, to ensure the needs of the children and young people are met.
• Participate in training and development activities to continually enhance your skills and knowledge.

Help children thrive through compassion, support and encouragement.

What you will bring (Essential Criteria)

• A Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People, a Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• An understanding of disabilities and the impact they can have on children, young people and their families.
• Experience of building positive relationships and rapport with children and young people.
• Experience of working with care plans and supporting individual needs and outcomes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
• A flexible, caring and proactive approach, with a commitment to training, teamwork and delivering excellent care and support.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old in line with Children's Homes National Minimum Standards and be at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated.

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: https://twpf.info
• 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