About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is looking for an Advanced Practitioner to join our supportive and forward-thinking team. In this pivotal role, you’ll manage a complex and high-risk caseload, lead safeguarding and multi-disciplinary meetings, and provide expert guidance to colleagues. You’ll play a key part in shaping person-centred support plans that promote independence, wellbeing, and positive risk-taking for adults across our communities.

We’re seeking a qualified social worker with substantial post-qualification experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous professional development. In return, you’ll benefit from a collaborative working environment, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’re ready to influence practice and drive positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

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 Carmen Smith by email at [email protected]

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is - Enhanced DBS Check-Adults

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
• Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces

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 Employer 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

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions

• Closing date: 24th November 2025
• Interview date: TBC

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:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council

Salary: £98,452 - £109,400 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Carlisle, Cumbria

Lead the transformation of Children’s Services in Cumberland. Champion the voice of every child.

About Us

At Cumberland Council, we’re passionate about delivering inclusive, impactful public services — and that starts with our people. We put health, wellbeing and personal growth at the heart of everything we do, creating an environment where you can thrive while making a real difference to our communities.

Based in the stunning county of Cumbria, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle that balances career ambition with natural beauty and affordability. From peaceful beaches and charming villages to the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, this is a place that truly inspires.

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to shape a better future, unlock your potential, and be part of something bigger!

The Opportunity

This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking Council and a Children’s Services rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, that puts children and families first. You’ll collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive environment and be part of a dynamic leadership team, empowered to innovate and make a meaningful difference for children, young people, and families across Cumberland.

As Assistant Director, you will lead our safeguarding and cared for services, care experienced and including provider services, ensuring children and young people are professionally safeguarded, supported, and cared for. You will drive strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and champion the voice of children and young people in everything we do.

You will play a key role in translating the Council’s corporate vision into impactful strategies for Children and Families, delivering inclusive services that empower communities and improve outcomes for children and young people.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead integrated services across Children and Family Wellbeing.
• Deliver responsive, coordinated support in partnership with stakeholders.
• Ensure legal compliance with safeguarding and care responsibilities.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Inspire and develop a compassionate, high-performing workforce.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Influence national and local policy through strategic relationships.

About You

You will be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, with significant experience in leading Children’s Services. You’ll bring:

• A deep understanding of safeguarding, cared for, and transition services.
• Proven leadership in complex, multi-agency environments.
• Strategic vision and the ability to turn policy into practice.
• Political and commercial acumen.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and innovative mindset.

Contact

If you would like any further information about the role, please contact [email protected]  

Application and Interview information

• Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.
• If you have a covering letter, please attach it as part of your application.
• Pre-screening additional questions are below, please complete and return to [email protected] after you have applied for the role.

Closing date: Sunday 16th November 2025

Interviews: Friday 5th December 2025

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification
• Pre-screening additional questions [candidates to complete – see above]

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council