Provide leadership, supervision and support to social work practitioners, ensuring high standards of practice, decision making and compliance with legislation, regulations and council procedures.
Champion relationship-based and multi-agency working, building strong partnerships across children's social care, specialist services, schools, family hubs and wider stakeholders to deliver coordinated support for children and foster families.
Chair planning, strategy and professional meetings, ensuring safe, effective decision making and best use of resources.
Support performance management, quality assurance and service improvement activity, ensuring records, plans and reports are accurate, timely and clearly reflect the child's voice and lived experience.
Contribute to service development, redesign and transformation projects, helping shape policies, procedures and innovative ways of working.
Operate within delegated authority frameworks, escalating recommendations and decisions appropriately to senior managers.
Lead and develop staff, students and practitioners through supervision, coaching and performance management, creating a positive culture where people can perform at their best.
Support continuous learning and improvement, encouraging reflective practice, professional development and service excellence.
Ensure interventions, assessments and care planning effectively identify and reduce risk, promote stability and achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.

A recognised Social Work qualification, Social Work England registration, Level 3 Social Worker status (or equivalent) and a commitment to continuous professional development, with Practice Educator Level 2 or willingness to work towards this.
Significant experience within statutory children's social care, including supervising staff, managing performance and supporting professional development.
Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and safeguarding frameworks, including the Children Act 1989, Children and Families Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Expertise in assessment, risk analysis, care planning and delivering effective interventions that support children, young people and families experiencing complex challenges.
A sound understanding of relationship-focused practice, systemic approaches, reflective practice and child development, with the ability to keep children at the centre of decision making.
Excellent communication, partnership working and leadership skills, with the ability to build positive relationships, influence practice and work effectively across multi-agency networks.
Strong organisational and digital skills, including maintaining high-quality electronic records, alongside a driving licence and access to transport or suitable mobility arrangements.

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.

Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Salary £47,665 - £50,908 + a temporary 15% Recruitment and Retention Allowance pro rata to hours worked
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).

1 Part time HR / Training / Recruitment jobs in South Shields, South Tyneside