At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower adults with learning disabilities and autism to enhance their quality of life.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Westmorland and Furness Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Accredited Social Worker Degree and relevant professional registration required.
The predicted salary is between 36635 - 44777 £ per year.
Location: Craven House, covering Furness area
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Furness Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team, part of the Westmorland and Furness Council’s Adult Social Care Service, has a vacancy for a passionate and dedicated Social Worker to join our caring, creative and supportive team. We are a passionate, innovative service, dedicated to empowering and enabling adults to have a good quality of life, valuing them and their strengths, upholding their rights and putting our communities and people we support at the very centre of everything we do.
This role will include assessing the needs and outcomes of people with a learning disability, young people moving into adulthood and people with autism. Our focus is to provide a person-centred approach, working with individuals to achieve positive outcomes and to continuously promote a preventative and strength-based approach in line with the Council’s vision and values. The role will also involve supporting individuals whose needs may present as complex and who require effective risk management planning, to enhance their quality of life.
You will require the ability to effectively plan and show innovation in practice, and in demonstrating good communication skills when responding to the needs of the individuals we support and their carers, as well as our internal and external partners.
We apply a career grade system to our Social Worker roles, meaning your starting salary will depend on your competencies, experience, and qualifications. We then support staff to progress through the career grade in line with their development against the requirements at each step of the grade.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for the right people, with the right values and behaviours to join our teams across Adult Social Care. We’d like to hear more about you, your motivations, interests and values on your application, including what attracted you to this role. We are keen to recruit individuals who have demonstrable experience in a similar role, and of case-load management and planning/implementation of interventions. You will need a strong knowledge and understanding of relevant national legislation and professional standards, as well as organisational governance frameworks. As well as knowledge and experience of Safeguarding and making safeguarding personal. You will need an accredited Social Worker Degree and have the relevant professional registration.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Social Worker - Grade 9 Post Specification Role Profile
- Social Worker - Grade 11 Post Specification Role Profile
- Social Worker - Grade 13 Post Specification Role Profile
Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Juliet Philipson, Team Manager on juliet.philipson@cumbria.gov.uk 03003733301 / 07887737321
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 11/10/2026
Interview date: 20/10/2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an 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.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Career Grade Social Worker - Learning Disability, Transition and Autism WMF3148e employer: The Cumbria County Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises compassion and community. Employees benefit from flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within the residential care sector, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents in the picturesque setting of Kirkby Stephen.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Grade Social Worker - Learning Disability, Transition and Autism WMF3148e
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Cumbria County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Cumbria County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Cumbria County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Cumbria County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Career Grade Social Worker - Learning Disability, Transition and Autism WMF3148e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Cumbria County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Cumbria County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
