Advanced Practitioner - Fostering - CMB2774e

Cumberland Council; Workington; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Quality of life in Cumbria

Supportive environment

Job summary

Cumberland Council is recruiting an Advanced Practitioner to support managers, social workers and child support workers in managing complex, high-risk cases within the Fostering Team in Workington. The role is 37 hours per week and permanent.

You will coach, mentor and provide professional guidance across Children’s Services, developing reflective practice aligned to the Professional Capabilities Framework and promoting multi‑agency working.

Qualifications

• Strong child protection experience
• Coaching, mentoring and professional guidance across Children’s Services
• Development of reflective, high‑quality social work aligned to the Professional Capabilities Framework
• Ability to identify and manage risk and support multi‑agency working

Responsibilities

• Support managers, social workers and child support workers in managing complex, high‑risk work
• Lead on up to three complex cases at any one time and provide guidance to the team
• Collaborate with team managers to promote effective multi‑agency working and continuous improvement in practice

Job description

Job reference REQ00000020508 Date posted 28/10/2026 Application closing date 11/11/2026 Location WORKINGTON Salary £48,738 - £49,817 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank

Advanced Practitioner – Fostering Team

Salary: £48,738 to £49,817 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: West Cumbria House, Workington

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council are looking to recruit an Advance Practitioner. In this role you will support managers, social workers and child support workers in managing complex, high‑risk work, taking the lead on up to three complex cases at any one time.

As a practice-focused specialist, you’ll provide coaching, mentoring and professional guidance across Children’s Services, helping to develop reflective, high‑quality social work aligned to core values and the Professional Capabilities Framework. You’ll work closely with team managers to identify and manage risk, promote effective multi‑agency working, and support continuous improvement in practice.

This role is ideal for someone with strong child protection experience, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to inspire confidence, collaboration and learning across a wide range of professionals.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Why join us?

• 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

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 Emily Christmas by email at [e-mail] .

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 [e-mail] . 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: 11 th November 2026
• Interview date:19 th November 2026

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at [e-mail].

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