Mockingbird Liaison Social Worker: Foster Family Network

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Health & Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Pension scheme

Learning & Development

Annual leave 28 days increasing with 5

Hybrid working across roles

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering Service as a Mockingbird Liaison Worker. The role focuses on delivering and expanding the Mockingbird Family Model, recruiting foster carers, and building robust networks for children, young people and professionals.

The post involves evening/weekend work, strong relationship management, and a commitment to outcome‑driven, relationship‑based practice within children's social care.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent recognised social work qualification) and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families.
• Experience within children's social care, fostering, looked after children or family support services.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and young people.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with children, families, carers and partner agencies.
• Ability to undertake assessments, develop plans and support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of multi‑agency working and partnership development.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to relationship‑based practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or ability to meet the travel requirements of the role).

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery and ongoing development of the Mockingbird Family Model.
• Recruit and support foster carers to become part of Mockingbird constellations.
• Build strong, supportive networks between foster carers, children, young people and professionals.
• Work alongside Hub Home Carers, providing supervision, guidance and support.
• Promote understanding of the Mockingbird Model across the fostering service and partner agencies.
• Develop positive working relationships with children, young people, foster carers and partner organisations.
• Support constellation activities and events which strengthen the extended family model.
• Work collaboratively with social work and fostering teams to ensure the model is embedded effectively.
• Contribute to the wider work and development of the Fostering Service.
• Participate in evening and weekend work as required to meet the needs of the service.

Skills

Social work

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi‑agency working

Flexibility

Education

Social Work Degree or equivalent

Job description

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Fostering Service as a Mockingbird Liaison Worker. The role focuses on delivering and expanding the Mockingbird Family Model, recruiting foster carers, and building robust networks for children, young people and professionals.

The post involves evening/weekend work, strong relationship management, and a commitment to outcome‑driven, relationship‑based practice within children's social care.