About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council, on behalf of Adoption Cumbria, the Regional Adoption Agency, is seeking a Level 3 Social Worker to join our dedicated Children’s Adoption Team that forms part the Regional Adoption Agency.
Salary: £42,839 to £44,075 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: To be agreed
Contract: Permanent
This is a rewarding role supporting care planning for permanence through adoption. Working closely with the child’s social worker during care proceedings, you will ensure that all aspects of the child’s needs, including family connections, are assessed and you will have lead responsibility for the child’s permanence report and care plan for adoption. Following care proceedings, you will progress the child’s adoption plan and support their transition into their adoptive home.
This role is available on a permanent basis.
Why join us?
* Significant training opportunities within the Regional Adoption Agency; Adoption England and across both Councils
* Relocation support may be available for this role, subject to eligibility – We know moving for a role is a big decision, so we’re here to make it easier.
* 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
You will be an experienced social worker with experience of working with children who have progressed a plan of adoption. You will be able to bring creative thinking in practice and will be seeking to continuously develop your skills and knowledge.
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.
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 Sharon Slack or Ann Peerless by email at sharon.slack@cumbria.gov.uk or Ann.peerless@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 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 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: 7th April 2026
* Interview date: 24th April 2026
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
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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