At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoption processes and engage with prospective adoptive families across Cumbria.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Adoption Cumbria, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while enjoying stunning landscapes in Cumbria.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of experience in adoption work and strong collaborative skills.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 44075 £ per year.
Job reference: REQ00000020313
Date posted: 18/08/2026
Application closing date: 10/09/2026
Location: Flexible
Salary: £42,839 to £44,075 per annum (pro-rata equivalent £25,703 to £26,445 per annum)
Contractual hours: 22.2
Basis: Part time
Hours: 22.2 Hours per week
Location: Cumberland Wide – Base to be discussed and agreed at interview
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity:
Adoption Cumbria has a statutory responsibility to recruit and assess adopters to ensure that children who are Cared For by the two Local Authorities (Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness) can be offered an adoptive family within Adoption Cumbria’s resources. Adoption Cumbria’s Recruitment and Assessment team covers the geographical county of Cumbria. We are a friendly, experienced, and supportive team, with a strong emphasis on training and service development.
The role primarily involves:
- Responding to adoption enquiries
- Completion of Initial visits to prospective adoptive applicants
- Presenting at recruitment events
- Presenting Adopter training
- Completion of both stage 1 and stage 2 adoption assessments
- Presenting cases to the Adoption Panel
The successful candidate will have at least 3 years post qualifying experience with strong knowledge of Adoption work. You will work as part of a countywide Team, and this post principally covers the whole of Cumbria. You will work closely with the other Teams in the Regional Adoption Agency. This role is available on a permanent basis.
Why join us?
- A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
- Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.
Who we’re looking for:
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. Be sure to take a look at the post specification for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact:
For more information about the role or an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact Zoe Chambers: Email: zoe.chambers@cumbria.gov.uk Tel: 07920700381
DBS Checks:
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s/Adults Barred List check. Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and 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 adults and 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: 10/09/2026
Interview date: 18/09/2026. Interviews will be held in person, currently planned for Kendal Town Hall, subject to confirmation. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment Team - CMB2645e employer: The Cumbria County Council
Join Adoption Cumbria, where you will be part of a supportive and experienced team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families. With a strong emphasis on training and professional development, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Cumbria, from the Lake District to vibrant market towns. Our collaborative work culture values compassion and innovation, ensuring that you thrive in a fulfilling career in a beautiful location.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment Team - CMB2645e
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like The Cumbria County Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
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Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at The Cumbria County Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
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We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment Team - CMB2645e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at The Cumbria County Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at The Cumbria County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with The Cumbria County Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment Team - CMB2645e at The Cumbria County Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
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Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show The Cumbria County Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment Team - CMB2645e role.
