Enhanced Practitioner
Salary: £41,511- £42,708
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Workington (West Cumbria House)
Contract: Permanent
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
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated social worker to join our friendly and supportive team based in North Cumbria, as an Enhanced Social Work Practitioner.
We are a social work team working with adults with a learning disability and/or autism. We also work with young people in transition from Children’s Services to adulthood.
The successful applicant will be a qualified and experienced social worker and will be expected to work with autonomy and be able to develop effective approaches in the management of complex casework as well as the ability to promote a strength-based approach.
You will supervise others within the team, promote continuing professional development, and work effectively with internal and external partners.
Cumberland Council is a modern and supportive employer, and we have both the technology and the commitment to allow our employees to work flexibly and efficiently. Travel around set geographical locations will be required but this can be balanced with homeworking as needed.
What we offer
- Competitive rates of pay and annual pay increase*
- 25-31 days holiday each year plus bank holiday allowance plus option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months
- Learning and development opportunities including development time each week (where applicable)
- Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work from home supporting a culture that fits around you (subject to role)
- Opportunity to join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme with defined benefit plans securing your future
- Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)
- Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
- In house staff support networks
- Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
- Employee assistance programme and access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment and access to external counselling service
- Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
- Spec Savers eyecare voucher
DBS
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 Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults. 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.
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.
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. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.
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