Assistant Manager (Children's Residential)- CMB2682e

Westmorland and Furness Council; Wigton; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland Council in Cumbria is recruiting four Assistant Managers to help open two new children's homes. Working with the Registered Manager, you will provide leadership to a dedicated team and help deliver therapeutic, child-centred care for young people who have experienced trauma.

The role focuses on personalised support, strong family partnerships, and a welcoming, inclusive home where children feel valued.

Qualifications

• Experienced childcare professional with focus on therapeutic, child-centred practice.
• Leadership experience in supporting a dedicated team delivering high-quality care.
• Commitment to safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches for vulnerable young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team to deliver outstanding care for looked-after children.
• Develop personalised support plans in collaboration with families and professionals.
• Champion the voices of children in decisions about their care and future.

Skills

Leadership

Childcare

Trauma-informed care

Team supervision

Job description

Salary: £39,481 to £40,444 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Wigton & Burgh by Sands

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunityWe are opening two brand-new children's homes and are looking to recruit four passionate Assistant Managers to help create a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment where children and young people can thrive.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the home's journey from the very beginning, helping to shape a culture of care that is centred on relationships, resilience and positive outcomes. Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will play a key leadership role in supporting a dedicated team to deliver outstanding care for young people who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties, social exclusion, and challenges with their emotional health and wellbeing.

As an Assistant Manager, you will champion the voices of children and young people, ensuring they are actively involved in decisions about their care and future. You will help develop personalised support plans, build strong partnerships with families and professionals, and contribute to creating a warm, welcoming and inclusive home where every child feels valued, safe and supported.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced childcare professional who is passionate about therapeutic, child-centred practice and wants to make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable young people. In return, you will have the chance to help build and develop a high-performing team, influence the future of a new service, and play a vital role in helping children achieve stability, confidence and brighter futures.

These roles are available on a permanent basis.

Why join us?

• 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 Nathan Warn 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: 06 th October 2026
• Interview date: W/c 12 th October 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 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