Crisis Support Worker

At Paragon Social Care we live by our vision “Excellence Through Understanding.” We support vulnerable and challenging children and young people in local authority care, especially during times of transition. We provide 24/7 wrap-around support until a longer-term placement is arranged. Safeguarding children is at the core of everything we do, using Trauma-Informed Care and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to guide our practice.

As a Children’s Support Worker in Gateshead, you will:

• Provide day-to-day, trauma-informed support that promotes safety and wellbeing.
• Encourage healthy routines and lifestyle choices.
• Support emotional engagement and relationship building.
• Support educational engagement, healthcare appointments, and community involvement.
• Transport young people as necessary for school, appointments, and activities.
• Listen to and act on young people’s views about their care and help plan transitions or “move-on” arrangements.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people (paid or voluntary) is desirable but not essential if you bring the right qualities.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own car; willingness to obtain business insurance to transport young people.
• A fully enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and empathy.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts—including days, evenings, weekends, waking nights, and sleep-ins—according to service needs.
• A warm, engaging, and professional manner with the ability to adapt to dynamic situations.

Benefits

• Extensive training, including safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Positive Behaviour Support.
• Clear pathways for career progression, such as Senior Support Worker roles.
• Competitive hourly pay rates with additional incentives for certain shifts.
• A supportive work environment where each child feels valued and protected.

If you have the compassion, flexibility, and drive to support children and young people through critical stages of their lives, we encourage you to apply.