Mockingbird Liaison Social Worker - Fostering (Hybrid)

North East Combined Authority; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 28–32 days

Flexible working hours

Hybrid & flexible working

Learning & development

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Car salary sacrifice scheme

Discounts & salary sacrifice

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker for the Mockingbird Liaison role within the Fostering Service. This fixed-term position supports the Mockingbird Family Model and collaboration with partner agencies to strengthen placement stability for children and families.

Ideal candidates will hold a Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England, with experience in children's services, fostering or family support.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience with children, young people and families.
• Experience in children's social care, fostering, looked after children or family support services.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and young people.
• Ability to build and maintain 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 travel requirements).

Responsibilities

• Support 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

Multi-agency working

Strong communication

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker for the Mockingbird Liaison role within the Fostering Service. This fixed-term position supports the Mockingbird Family Model and collaboration with partner agencies to strengthen placement stability for children and families.

Ideal candidates will hold a Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England, with experience in children's services, fostering or family support.