Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle or West Cumbria House, Workington Salary: £41,511 - £42,708 per annum Hours: 37 hours per week Contract: Temporary for 12 Months
About this opportunityCumberland Council is seeking a Level 3 Social Worker to join our dedicated Kinship Team. In this role, you’ll work closely with children, families, and carers to assess complex needs, build strong relationships, and develop tailored support plans that prioritise stability and positive outcomes for children in kinship care.
We’re looking for a qualified social worker (Social Work Degree/CQSW/CSS/DipSW) registered with Social Work England, with at least three years of post-qualification experience in children’s services. You’ll bring a deep understanding of permanence planning, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency collaboration. In return, you’ll join a supportive and forward-thinking team that values professional development, flexible working, and a shared commitment to improving lives across Cumbria.
This role is available on a fixed-term basis.
Cumberland Council is proud to hold an Ofsted rating of 'Good’ for our Children’s Services, demonstrating our dedication and strong commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. Ofsted recognised that staff unanimously report a ‘real buzz about working in Cumberland’ and that they feel ‘energised, valued and listened to’, observing that ‘leaders have established a strong Cumberland identity that staff can be proud of’.
Who we’re looking forWe’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Rebecca Leighton by email at Rebecca.Leighton@cumbria.gov.uk
DBS ChecksThis role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is - Enhanced DBS Check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children. Guaranteed InterviewsWe offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & AdjustmentsWe’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 20th July 2025
Interview date: TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please read the supporting information:
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more: