Residential Child Care Officer

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

28–32 days annual leave

Learning & development

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Electric & hybrid car scheme

Exclusive discounts

Job summary

Gateshead Council is recruiting for Residential Childcare roles to provide high‑quality support to children and young people. The team focuses on safeguarding, early help, prevention and coordinated services across fostering, residential and adoption settings.

Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma, and a valid UK driving licence. Aged 21+ is required, with flexible, sometimes evening work and travel between homes expected.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children and young people.
• Must be qualified to NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce or willing to work towards Level 4 within 18–24 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide and develop services to children and families, with a joined up approach.
• Offer safeguarding, assessment, intervention and support across residential, fostering and adoption services.
• Support vulnerable adolescents and those with disabilities; contribute to a trauma-informed care approach.

Skills

Experience with children & youngPeople

Education

NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children & Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

As this is a 24 hour service, 7 days per week, in addition to a very competitive salary of £33,119 - £40,444 you will also be entitled to an additional payment of Children's Residential Allowance of approx. £1,500 per annum for working evenings and early mornings and you will receive two increments for weekend working of which you will work a minimum of 10% of your hours. You will also receive sleep in payments subject to the rota.

You should ideally have experience of working with children and young people. We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds including social care, health and education. What matters most is your ability to connect and care for children and young people, understanding their lived experiences and be interested in them and supporting them to be the very best they can be. Our residential team is dynamic and committed to making a difference, we are passionate about our quality of care and what we have to offer as individuals and as a team.? You must be qualified to NVQ Level 3 Caring for Children and Young People or Level 3/4 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent or willing to work towards Level 4 within 18-24 months following appointment. A full, valid UK driving licence is essential for this role, as regular travel between homes is required. To apply for this job you must be at least 21 years old. The Children's Homes National Minimum Standards states: "All care staff are at least 18 years old, and staff who are given sole responsibility for children or a management role are at least 21 years old. Within this requirement no person works in a children's home unless they are at least four years older than the oldest child accommodated." (Standard 17.11)

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. "Help Gateshead's children thrive-your care makes the difference."

What you will get to do

Our Children's Social Care team work to provide and further develop services to children and families across Gateshead to offer a focused and joined up approach to offer young people the best possible start in life. This is incredibly important work and includes an excellent early help and prevention service, assessment, intervention and safeguarding supporting children and their families, services for children in and having experienced our care, our fostering, residential and adoption services, support for vulnerable adolescents & those with disabilities and many more. It can be challenging but very rewarding work, as we passionately pursue our goal of helping Gateshead children to thrive. Gateshead Council is investing in the future of our cared-for children through a growing network of residential homes. With four established homes and two more on the way, we provide safe, nurturing environments where young people can rebuild trust, re-engage with education, and develop the skills they need for independence. Our homes are supported by a dedicated therapeutic team, including a mental health practitioner and psychologist, and are grounded in trauma-informed, strength-based care. We're proud to have all of our Children's homes rated as 'Good or Outstanding' by Ofsted. If you're passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team-this is your opportunity. "A career that changes lives-including yours."

• 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.
• 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).