At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Mental Health Team to support individuals and communities in need.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to social care and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult services and strong case management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35570 - 45529 £ per year.
Location: Based at South Lakeland House, Kendal
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated and supportive Social Work Team across Westmorland and Furness, as a Social Worker in the Mental Health Team, covering primarily the South Lakes area. You will also provide flexible support to cover the Eden if demand requires. Join us and become part of a committed, enthusiastic team of professionals who are passionate about achieving meaningful outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.
Career grade
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. We encourage the right balance of skills and experience across our teams within Adult Social Care and would welcome applications from both newly qualified and experienced candidates for these roles.
Who we are looking for…
We’re looking for a qualified, registered Social Worker with strong experience in adult services, confident case management skills, and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations. You’ll bring strong knowledge of legislation and best practice ideally from the field of mental health, work collaboratively with partners, communicate effectively, and create person centred solutions. If you’re organised, proactive, and committed to positive outcomes, you’ll thrive with us.
Adult Social Care vision is “People living in a place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.” 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 and how you feel your values align to the role.
What can we offer you!
- A supportive and friendly team environment
- Regular supervision and peer support
- Career progression through our Social Worker career grade
- Training and Development Opportunities
- You can also take advantage of the Councils Vehicle Leasing Salary Sacrifice Scheme – designed to make motoring simple, affordable, and greener!
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.
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jodi Bowyer, Team Manager on 07769364279 or Jodi.bowyer@cumbria.gov.uk
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 20/09/2026
Interview date: TBC
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.
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.
Social Worker Mental Health Team - WMF3138e in Kendal 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 Social Worker Mental Health Team - WMF3138e in Kendal
✨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 Social Worker Mental Health Team - WMF3138e in Kendal
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.