Care Assistant

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 28-32 days

Flexi-time

Hybrid working

Learning & development

Cycle to work

Car salary sacrifice scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Gateshead Council is recruiting for Grove House, which provides short break care and support for children and young people with disabilities. You will deliver caring support, promote safety, and work closely with families and professionals to plan and review care.

This part-time role offers 21 hours per week on a rota, flexible and hybrid working, a generous pension, substantial leave, training opportunities and discounts, helping children gain confidence and independence.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People or equivalent, or willingness to work towards.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Understanding of disabilities and impact on children and families.
• Experience building positive relationships with children and young people.
• Experience with care plans and supporting individual needs.
• Strong communication skills with families and professionals.
• Flexible, caring, proactive approach and commitment to training and teamwork.
• Minimum age 21 and at least four years older than oldest child.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional, behavioural, personal care, hygiene and safety support.
• Promote independence while respecting dignity and rights.
• Build positive relationships and support wellbeing.
• Work with colleagues, parents, carers and professionals to implement care plans.
• Plan and support activities at home and in the community.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care plan reviews.
• Administer medication following training and procedures.
• Undertake domestic duties to maintain a clean, welcoming home.
• Work flexible hours including school holidays.
• Participate in training and development.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Flexible, caring and proactive

Teamwork and collaboration

Commitment to training and development

Empathy and safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People / Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce

Job description

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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