*Internal Applicants Only*
Salary: £51,356 to £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Carlisle or Workington
Contract: Temporary (12 months)
About this opportunity
The Professional Practice Lead – Social Work plays a pivotal role at the heart of the Adult Social Care and Housing Directorate. Working under the direction of the Adult Principal Social Worker, and overseeing a team of Advanced Practice Leads, you’ll help to drive forward an ambitious programme of continual practice development across Cumberland, learning from practice, championing excellence, innovation, and high‑quality social work.
Under the Care Act 2014 (S1.27), every local authority must have a designated Adult Principal Social Worker. As their key partner and trusted lead, you will help shape and influence professional standards, guiding the development of outstanding Adult Social Care and Housing practice across the region.
This is a role for someone who thrives on collaboration and meaningful impact. You’ll work hand‑in‑hand with operational teams to co-produce practical tools, governance frameworks, policies, and procedures that genuinely support day‑to‑day practice. Your work will reflect the rich interdependencies across the system, bringing together the voices of people who draw on care and support, health partners, provider services, and the voluntary and community sector.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for an individual who embodies 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 Paul Arts, Principal Social Worker, by email at Paul.Arts@cumberland.gov.uk
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:Enhanced DBS check with an Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults. 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 adults.
Guaranteed Interviews
We 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 & Adjustments
We’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 Leader 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
Please read the supporting information:
