Location: South Lakes House, Kendal
Contract Type: Permanent x 2 vacancies
About this opportunity
We're looking for a passionate and committed Social Worker to join our Cared For Children and Young People Team in South Lakes.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our care, helping them to achieve stability, build positive relationships and reach their full potential.
You'll work alongside children and young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including those who are looked after, young people preparing to leave care, and children seeking asylum. Through meaningful relationships, effective planning and strong partnership working, you'll help ensure children receive the support, care and opportunities they need to thrive.
We work within our Together in Practice Framework, placing relationships at the heart of everything we do. We believe that children achieve the best outcomes when they are listened to, valued and supported by professionals who know them well. As a Social Worker, you'll have the opportunity to build those relationships and work creatively with children, families and partners to achieve positive change.
We are ambitious for our children and young people, and we're looking for social workers who share that ambition.
Who we are looking for…
We're looking for qualified Social Workers who are child-centred, reflective in their practice and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
You'll be someone who:
- Builds strong, trusting relationships with children, young people, families and professionals.
- Thinks creatively and confidently to overcome challenges.
- Understands the importance of safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Is motivated by making a positive and lasting difference.
- Works collaboratively and embraces learning and development opportunities.
- Shares our values and commitment to relationship-based practice.
Whether you're looking for your next challenge or keen to further develop your experience within a supportive cared for children service, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
At Westmorland and Furness Council, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
In July 2024, our Children and Families Service was rated Good by Ofsted, recognising the commitment, dedication and passion of our workforce. We are proud of what we've achieved, but we're equally ambitious about what comes next.
Our vision is simple: we want every child in Westmorland and Furness to feel safe, valued, loved and supported to achieve their goals.
To make that happen, we invest in our people. We recognise that excellent outcomes for children come from skilled and supported practitioners who are given the time, tools and opportunities to do their best work.
From newly qualified social workers through to aspiring leaders, our Children and Families Social Work Academy provides a clear pathway for professional development, helping you build a rewarding and sustainable career with us.
If you're looking for a role where your work really matters, where you'll be supported to grow and where you can make a genuine difference every day, we'd love you to join us.
What can we offer you!
We know that great social work happens when practitioners feel supported, valued and trusted. That's why we offer:
- Genuine flexible working, including opportunities for hybrid working and flexible start and finish times.
- Manageable and protected caseloads, giving you the time to build meaningful relationships and deliver high-quality practice.
- High-quality supervision focused on support, reflection and professional growth.
- A stable and experienced management team with accessible senior leaders.
- A comprehensive Social Work Academy and structured career progression pathway.
- Payment of your Social Work England registration fee.
Most importantly, you'll join a team that is passionate about children, ambitious for their futures and committed to supporting one another.
And 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. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Kirsty Parry on [email protected]
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 20th September 2026
Interview date: W/C 28th September 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 [email protected].
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 a Children’s and 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.
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 (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
