Support Worker/Driver

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

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 seeking a dedicated Support Worker to help people lead fuller, more independent lives. You will provide compassionate, person-centred support across community and building-based settings, helping service users access opportunities and navigate services.

You will work with a supportive team, engage in mandatory training, and may be involved in minibus transport and vehicle safety assessments as part of delivering high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with a wide range of care needs.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake a Local Authority minibus assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, carers, and other professionals.
• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and a person-centred approach.

Responsibilities

• Support in the delivery of person-centred care in community and building-based settings.
• Liaise with senior staff and report changes or concerns about service users.
• Assist service users to safely use vehicles, including wheelchairs and tail lifts.
• Support service users with personal care.
• Transport service users using a Council minibus or People Carrier to activities and community.
• Attend mandatory training and participate in team meetings and supervision.

Skills

Compassionate care

Patient communication

Driving licence

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Care Certificate

Job description

Make a meaningful difference every day by supporting people to live fuller, more independent lives. As a Support Worker you'll providing compassionate, person-centred support tailored to individual needs while playing a vital role in safely connecting service users to their services and communities. This is about building trust, promoting inclusion, and helping people access opportunities that enhance their wellbeing. Working as part of a dedicated team, you'll combine practical support with empathy and professionalism. What you'll get to do:

• Support in the delivery of activity based/ person-centered care for people who have a wide range of care and support needs, and which are delivered in a variety of community and building based settings.
• Liaise with senior staff to receive any information regarding service users and service delivery and report back any concerns, changes or progress in the service user's circumstances and record these changes appropriately.
• Support service users to safely use the vehicles, this may include, securing wheelchairs and using vehicle tail lifts, taking into consideration the service users moving and handling and other support needs.
• Support service users with personal care.
• Transport service users using a Council Minibus or People Carrier to and from their service and to opportunities in the wider community.
• Attend all training as required by the ABC Team Leaders and in accordance with mandatory training requirements and best practice.
• Actively participate in team meetings, supervisions, Achievement and Development meeting Knowledge of relevant service user groups and associated legislation with willingness to attain the Care Certificate or NVQ qualification.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake a Local Authority minibus assessment
• Experience supporting individuals with a wide range of care needs, including complex needs and/or disabilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, carers, and other professionals
• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and a person-centred approach, including experience supporting with personal care
• Ability to work safely and effectively, both independently and as part of a team, with good organisational awareness 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. Drive change. Support lives. Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.

• 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).