Salary: £41,511 - £42,708 per annum

Hours: 37

Location: Countywide 

Contract: Fixed term 12 months

About us

Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.

At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.

We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!

#WeAreCumberland

About this opportunity

The successful person will be required to assess Kinship Carers under the Regulation 24 legislation, complete fostering assessments in a time critical manner and present to the Fostering Panel in line with the fostering regulations.

The role also includes providing supervision and support to approved connected persons carers. As a developing service, there will also be opportunities to deliver support groups and training.

The successful applicant will need to be a team player, demonstrate enthusiasm, an ability to work on their own initiative and to engage with applicants and approved carers. The ability to complete high quality assessments to tight deadlines is essential, this is a fast-paced team where good organisational skills and an ability to respond at short notice are key to the role

We are offering this as a countywide post, and as such, the work base location can be agreed with the team manager, and we are happy to discuss this at interview. There may be occasions where travel outside Cumbria is required.

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’.

Fundamentally, we are seeking 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 and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!

We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values, we encourage you to apply or contact samantha.moffatt@cumbria.gov.uk for an informal chat prior to your application.

Cumberland Council Staff Benefits

Pay

• As a real living wage paying employer we offer competitive rates of pay
• Our pay scales are nationally agreed and come with a national annual pay review*
• A range of allowances to recognise times where you're available out of hours if we need you, or where you take on extra responsibilities beyond your role.

*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services

Pension

• Opportunity to join a generous defined benefit pension scheme to secure your future (most employees are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme)
• Opportunity to boost your pension with Additional Pension Contributions which will increase your annual defined benefit amount
• Opportunity to build a defined contribution pot on the side of your defined benefit pension through Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).

Holidays

• 25 days holiday per year when you start, rising to 31 days holiday per year after 5 years of service
• 8 public holidays
• The option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months

Flexible Working

• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work remotely from home supporting a culture that fits around you*
• A flexi-time scheme where you could vary your start and finish times and also build up 3 days flexi-time and take up to 2 flexi days off per month*

*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.

Learning and Development

• Dedicated development time each week*
• Access to an online learning portal offering more than 150 courses
• Access to regular development programmes to build the soft skills to succeed
• Opportunity to study professional qualifications to help you get the certifications you need for your role or to advance your career.

*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.

Deals and Discounts

• Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
• Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
• Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
• Spec Savers eyecare voucher
• Free flu jabs in winter from participating pharmacies

Employee Assistance & Support

• In house staff support networks
• Employee assistance programme offering mental health support
• Access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 23 February 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.

Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.

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.

DBS Checks

Conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks is integral to our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our staff and the communities we serve. These checks play a crucial role in safeguarding, ensuring that individuals with appropriate qualifications and character are entrusted with roles where they may have access to children and vulnerable people. By prioritising DBS checks, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being and trust of those we engage with.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s & 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.

We welcome applications from everyone

At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.

We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.

Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. Adjustments are not always guaranteed although we will endeavour to make adjustments that are reasonable to accommodate your needs.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

Cumberland Council offers a guaranteed interview scheme 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.

Work-Life balance

Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.

Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.

Continuing Professional Development

We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.

Keeping the people we work with safe

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.

Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!

We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.

These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.

Join us and become part of something bigger:

• Race Equality
• Rainbow Alliance
• Menopause Support
• Carers Network
• Shine Community
• Wellbeing/Health Advocates
• Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.

Please read the supporting information:

Post specification

Role profile