At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in kinship care by assessing needs and creating tailored support plans.
- Company: Cumberland Council is dedicated to improving lives and has a 'Good' Ofsted rating for children's services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants; we value diversity and inclusion in our workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while growing your career in a vibrant, values-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Degree and at least three years of experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cumberland 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.
Who 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.
- We're also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
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 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.
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
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
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.
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 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.
Application and Interview Information:
Closing date: 9th July 2025
Interview date: 14th July 2025
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.
Social Worker - Kinship Team - CMB1872e in Wideopen employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking work environment for social workers in the Kinship Team. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on improving lives across Cumbria, employees are valued and encouraged to grow in their careers. The council's 'Good' Ofsted rating reflects its dedication to high-quality services, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Kinship Team - CMB1872e in Wideopen
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Cumberland Council, such as being ambitious and compassionate. During your interactions, whether in an informal chat or interview, demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and personal experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to Rebecca Leighton for an informal chat before applying. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in multi-agency collaboration during discussions. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families, as this is crucial for the Kinship Team role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of trauma-informed practice. Be ready to explain how this approach has influenced your work and how you would apply it within the Kinship Team to support children in care effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Kinship Team - CMB1872e in Wideopen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Social Worker - Kinship Team position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as the need for a Social Work Degree and experience in children's services.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise your understanding of permanence planning, trauma-informed practice, and any multi-agency collaboration you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for social work and your commitment to improving lives. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you embody the core values of Cumberland Council: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Kinship Team. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of permanence planning and trauma-informed practice, as these will likely be central to your discussions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your post-qualification experience in children's services. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully assessed complex needs or developed tailored support plans, demonstrating your ability to build strong relationships with children and families.
✨Emphasise Core Values
Cumberland Council values ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative individuals. Think of examples from your past work that illustrate how you embody these values, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and how the council supports its staff in delivering high-quality services.
