Mobile Sheltered Scheme officer

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to make a real difference to older people by helping them remain safe, independent and connected within their communities?

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'll be joining us at an exciting time as we continue to support and invest in services that help Gateshead residents live independently and thrive.

At Gateshead Council, you'll be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills you bring, encourages creativity and supports a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to delivering excellent services for our residents and creating a workplace where our people can develop and succeed.

Supporting older people to live independently

The Older Persons Team forms part of Gateshead Council's Neighbourhood, Housing and Homelessness Service and provides vital support to residents living in sheltered housing schemes across the borough.

Supporting around 1,400 residents, the team works closely with customers, families, health services, care providers and community organisations to promote independence, safety and wellbeing.

As a Sheltered Scheme Officer, you will be a visible and trusted presence within our schemes, helping older people maintain their independence while ensuring they have access to the support and services they need. You'll play an important role in creating safe, welcoming communities where residents can live well and feel connected.

What you'll get to do

In this role, you will:

• Support residents through wellbeing conversations, support planning and risk assessments.
• Promote independent living and help residents access appropriate support, services and community resources.
• Carry out welfare visits and respond appropriately to emergencies and urgent situations.
• Help ensure sheltered housing schemes remain safe, secure and welcoming environments.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Organise and support activities that encourage social interaction, community involvement and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records and administration systems to support service delivery and performance monitoring.
• Work closely with Care Call and other partner agencies to deliver high-quality services for older people.
• Manage a varied workload, balancing competing priorities while maintaining excellent customer service.

You will bring (essential criteria)

• Experience of providing excellent customer service and building positive relationships with a wide range of people.
• Experience of supporting vulnerable individuals, ideally within housing, social care, health, community or customer-focused services.
• Experience of dealing with potentially difficult situations including drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and an understanding of how to respond appropriately to welfare concerns.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, partner agencies and other stakeholders.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other digital systems to maintain accurate records, manage information and support service delivery.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What’s in it for you

• 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.
• 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 apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

This is your opportunity to tell us why you are the best candidate for the role. Using the job advert and essential criteria (You Will Bring), explain how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the position, providing relevant examples where appropriate.

We recommend being as specific as possible and demonstrating how your experience relates to the responsibilities of the role.

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.