At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support newly qualified social workers in their professional development.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to building a skilled social work workforce.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social work and make a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's social care and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
Location: Penrith/Kendal/Barrow - with regular presence required in Barrow
Contract Type: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract
About this opportunity
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to developing a skilled, confident and sustainable social work workforce. As part of our continued investment in the Social Work Academy, we are seeking a Practice Improvement Lead to provide dedicated support to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and social work students, with a particular focus on strengthening our workforce in Barrow. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the recruitment, development and retention of our future social workers.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic social work professional who is passionate about workforce development and supporting others to succeed. You will:
- Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Have substantial post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work practice, professional standards and workforce development.
- Have experience of supporting, coaching, mentoring or supervising social workers and/or students.
- Be able to build effective working relationships across teams and services.
- Be committed to developing the next generation of social workers.
Location Requirements
While this is a countywide role within the Childrens Social Work Academy, a significant part of the post will focus on supporting practitioners based in Barrow. The successful candidate will therefore be required to spend a proportion of their working week physically based within the Barrow office, providing accessible face-to-face support, coaching, learning opportunities and professional guidance to NQSWs and social work students. Some travel across Westmorland and Furness may also be required.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future social work workforce within Westmorland and Furness. You will play a vital role in helping newly qualified social workers and students develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed to provide high-quality support to children and families. If you are passionate about practice excellence, learning and development, and want to make a lasting impact on the future of social work, we would love to hear from you.
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 more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
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.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 16th November 2026
Interview date: 26th November 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.
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 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.
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.
Practice Improvement Lead - Social Work Academy in Barrow in Furness employer: Westmorland and Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and community impact. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in Barrow and surrounding areas. With a focus on flexibility and a solution-oriented approach, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about homelessness services.
Contact Details:
Westmorland and Furness Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Improvement Lead - Social Work Academy in Barrow in Furness
✨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 Westmorland and Furness 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 Westmorland and Furness 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 Westmorland and Furness 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 Westmorland and Furness 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 Practice Improvement Lead - Social Work Academy in Barrow in Furness
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 Westmorland and Furness Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Westmorland and Furness 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 Westmorland and Furness 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.
