Initial Contact Co-ordinator

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge in Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for! The team… Adult Social Care Direct is a busy team at the Front Door of Adult Social Care. The team receives all referrals for Adult Care Services, as well as all Safeguarding referrals, for anyone over the age of 18 in Gateshead. This can be via telephone, online form or face to face. The Initial Contact Coordinator collects relevant information to establish whether a Care Act Assessment or Review is required and then forwards the request to the relevant team. About the role… We are looking to recruit a Full Time Permanent Initial Contact Coordinator to our busy Adult social Care Direct team within the Front Door of Adult Care services. You will be expected to respond to enquiries at first point of contact managing the unpredictability needs which could be complex and challenging, analyse and make a decision on the appropriate referral pathway, to apply professional judgement to determine whether a person's needs are eligible for support from adult social care and to work with assessment teams to ensure vulnerable adults are not left at risk. The position is office based, and you will be expected to work on a rota which will includes working outside of normal office hours. You will require knowledge of relevant legislation including The Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards and any proposed changes within adult social care, a sound understanding of Gateshead's Adult's Safeguarding policies and procedures and be able to recognise potential abuse and identify risk.

You should have a comprehensive knowledge of computer packages including Word, Excel and the ability to keep written and electronic records. You will be expected to have experience of taking referral information within a social care setting, providing advice and guidance, working autonomously and using own initiative, community development work, facilitating groups, effective communication skills both written and oral demonstrating a high standard of accuracy. You must have a Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) (or equivalent) or willing to work towards and a GCSE in Maths and English at minimum grade 4 or grade C or equivalent.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative. Please click on the following link to see what life as an adult care social worker is like www.gateshead.gov.uk/ASCsocialworkers A bit about Gateshead Council… Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives. Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who are in need of support. We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

• You'll be paid a competitive salary of £28,624 - £31,067 per annum plus additional allowances where relevant.
• You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme.
• You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme.
• You'll get a generous annual leave package starting at 26 days annual leave (+ 2 statutory days) for new employees, rising to 30 days (+ 2 statutory days) after 5 years continuous local government service.
• You will have the chance to purchase up to 10 additional holiday days per year (through salary sacrifice).
• We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend, including O2, Virgin Media and Dell
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme offering various discounts
• Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take up to 3 flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
• A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say: "Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David. "I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela It's time to apply! We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please read the full job profile to ensure that you meet the essential criteria for the post, as only applicants that meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile will be shortlisted.