Salary: £34,434 to £35,412 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Kendal
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? Join us where we provide vital care and support to young people and their families, helping them navigate challenges related to attachment, trauma, social exclusion, and emotional well-being.
In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to deliver high-quality, meaningful care. You’ll support young people, helping to improve outcomes and guide them through their journey in care by creating a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where they can thrive.
You will work collaboratively to deliver personalised, evidence-based support tailored to each young person’s needs, drawing on your understanding of child development, attachment, trauma, and the impact of loss. You’ll play a key role in managing challenging behaviours with a calm, trauma-informed approach, while also supporting individuals who may be affected by issues such as mental health, substance misuse, or domestic difficulties.
Building strong, professional relationships with children, young people, and their families will be central to your role, alongside promoting equality, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. You’ll also plan and engage in activities that encourage development, independence, and positive experiences both within and beyond the home.
We are looking for individuals who either hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or are willing to achieve this within two years, alongside demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development. A solid understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and safeguarding frameworks for looked-after children is essential.
This is an opportunity to be a trusted advocate, a consistent and caring presence, and a positive influence at critical stages in young people’s lives.
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 (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Kate Spence by email at [email protected]
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:
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.
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).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
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 [email protected]. 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: 23/06/2026
- Interview date: 30/06/2026
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please read the supporting information:
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
