Mockingbird Liaison Worker

Fixed Term for 2 years. Salary £46,579 - £49,817 plus a 5% R & R allowance

Who we are & what we stand for

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 us create stronger support networks where children, young people and foster families can thrive.

Due to the continued expansion of our successful Mockingbird Programme, we are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, to join our Fostering Service as a Mockingbird Liaison Worker.

Working in partnership with The Fostering Network, the Mockingbird Family Model is an innovative approach to foster care that creates extended family support networks for foster carers, children and young people. The model helps to strengthen relationships, improve placement stability and build supportive communities around fostering families.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly experienced and supportive Fostering Service as we continue to grow and develop our successful Mockingbird provision.

Use your skills to strengthen connections, empower foster families and improve outcomes for children.

What you'll get to do:

• 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.

What you’ll bring (Essential Criteria):

• 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).

If successful you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience salary £46,579 - £49,817 plus a 5% R & R allowance
• 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).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.