The advertised salary includes a supplement (JWC) to the base grade of the post. JWC supplements are conditional on the physical demands and /or working conditions of the role.

Hours: 37 per week

3 posts available

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference to the lives of children and young people in need?

An exciting opportunity has risen for motivated and hardworking individuals to join our developing and expanding service and team at Sedbergh Drive, Kendal. You will be a part of a team who deliver Edge of Care respite for children and young people who are identified as being on the edge of care, at risk of placement breakdown and are in need of an emergency placement, or on a planned return home.

As an Outreach and Respite Support Worker, you will be responsible for the direct outreach and respite work with young people and their families. The position involves developing a supportive and positive relationship with the young person and their family in order to guide and support the use of behaviour management techniques and organised activities in order to promote self- esteem.

You will advise and guide young people displaying risk-taking behaviours, challenging behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse, neglect issues and violence. We are looking for kind and compassionate people who can introduce and encourage families to set boundaries and develop the strategies of actions and consequences to manage.

The right candidates will be upbeat, friendly, and proactive. This role will be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, and we are looking for people who can manage the emotional demands of the role, as well as challenging behaviour.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Cumberland Council is proud to hold an Ofsted rating of 'Good’ for our Children’s Services, demonstrating our dedication and strong commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. Ofsted recognised that staff unanimously report a ‘real buzz about working in Cumberland’ and that they feel ‘energised, valued and listened to’, observing that ‘leaders have established a strong Cumberland identity that staff can be proud of’.

Who we’re looking forWe’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 Kayleigh Gregory by email at Kayleigh.Gregory@cumbria.gov.uk .

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 InterviewsWe 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

Cumberland & Westmorland & 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 Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

‘Like’ Cumberland/Westmorland and Furness Jobs pages on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest job searching tips, news and opportunities.

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: 28th September 2025

Interview date: 16th October 2025

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

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