At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families by providing early help consultation and guidance.
- Company: Join a proactive team within Cumberland Council focused on Family Help.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity-focused employer offering guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Passion for improving outcomes and experience in collaborative work.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 39152 £ per year.
Location: Whitehaven
Salary: £38,220 to £39,152 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 12-month secondment opportunity, internal applicants only. (School colleagues can apply who are employed by a Cumberland Council Local Authority school, please check whether your school would release you for a secondment).
About This Opportunity
We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative individual to join our Family Help Partnerships and Assurance Team within the Family Help, Prevention and Youth Justice Directorate. You will be supporting colleagues in the geographic area covering Localities 1, 2, 3 and 4, (Cluster A and B), focussing on Millom, Whitehaven and Keswick, and offering cover in other areas for other Family Help Area Officers when required.
About The Role
As a Family Help Area Officer, you will contribute to the high-quality early support to children and families, across Cumberland, providing Family Help consultation and guidance to professionals and practitioners carrying out critical front-line support to vulnerable children, young people, and their families with multiple needs. You will support partners, external to the council, to initiate, undertake and quality assure Early Help Assessments and plans. This is an exciting time to join our team as we develop Family Help across Cumberland. You will be joining a small, proactive and supportive team which is part of a much larger multidisciplinary Family Help, Partnership and Youth Justice Directorate.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who has a passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and their families, with the ability to promote the vision for Family Help across Cumberland. Working within the Family Help Partnerships and Assurance Team, you will work collaboratively and creatively with colleagues across Cumberland including schools, voluntary sector, and many other agencies to implement improvements in Family Help for children and families. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm who has the right knowledge and experience, who can support and empower our teams, to maintain a culture which places children, young people and their families at the heart of Family Help Service delivery. We’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.
Contact
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Suzannah Gregson (Family Help Team Manager) at Suzannah.Gregson@cumberland.gov.uk. Phone: 07966 641341 (Microsoft Teams Calling telephone number 01228 236300).
DBS Checks
This 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 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:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
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
Closing date: 12/07/2026
Interview date: 17/07/2026 – Interviews to be held face to face in Carlisle.
Family Help Area Officer - Partnerships & Assurance (Internal) - CMB2572i in Keswick employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about improving outcomes for children and families. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for internal secondments and professional advancement within our multidisciplinary Family Help, Partnership and Youth Justice Directorate. Our values of ambition, compassion, and innovation drive our mission to deliver high-quality services, making this a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Help Area Officer - Partnerships & Assurance (Internal) - CMB2572i in Keswick
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Cumberland Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Help Area Officer - Partnerships & Assurance (Internal) - CMB2572i in Keswick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Cumberland Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Cumberland Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Cumberland Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Family Help Area Officer - Partnerships & Assurance (Internal) - CMB2572i role at Cumberland Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Cumberland Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
