Jobs

About this opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council as a Practice Improvement Lead within the Service Improvement Team, with a current focus on our Youth Justice Service.   

Are you passionate about driving positive change for children and young people? Do you have the experience and ambition to help us deliver outstanding services? We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and experienced Qualified Social Worker to join our Service Improvement Team.

Are you interested in the training and development of workers? Do you want to support us to develop participation in the Youth Justice Service? Are you keen to be involved in supporting the review, development and implementation of policy and procedures in the Youth Justice Service?

About the Role:

As a member of the Service Improvement Team, you will play a key role in ensuring that we are continually evolving and delivering high-quality services for children and young people, including those within the Youth Justice Service. You will be involved in driving improvements, shaping practice, and ensuring our services make a real difference to the lives of young people.

Key Responsibilities:

Working closely with the Service Improvement Leads you will respond to key focus areas of practice;

• Collaborating with the workforce to help influence a shift in culture and practice. Utilising both quantitative and qualitative performance data to improve and drive good practice forward in the service.
• Working with partner agencies to create a culture where everyone is ambitious to improve the service provided to children and young people.
• Using the voice of those with lived experience to support the development of our work within the Youth Justice Service.
• Assist with the development of professional learning and development programmes for the wider workforce by leading on the workforce’s yearly training plan and development days. 
• Provide support to colleagues and teams, driving forward best practice.
• Adapt to new areas of practice and continuously develop your knowledge to drive change within the service.

*Please note this is a current area of focus for Childrens and Families, it is expected that once this work has been completed, project work will move on to other priority areas within Children and Families*

About You:

We are looking for a qualified social worker with:

• Experience in Children Services, including Youth Justice Service, or a strong willingness to learn and adapt to new areas of practice.
• Creative, ambitious, and results-driven with a passion for improving services for children and young people.
• Communication and leadership skills with the ability to drive and inspire change.

About us

At Westmorland and Furness, we recognise that a permanent and stable workforce is an essential part of improving outcomes for children and young people. So, we make it our priority to ensure all our workers have the guidance, support, culture, environment, and tools to be able to do this work well. We are proud of the culture that we have created, our staff tell us they enjoy working for the organisation, it is important for us that staff continue to feel valued and want to work for us. Our workforce are highly skilled, compassionate and committed to making a difference to our children and their families. We are committed to providing a robust package of support to guide you through your social work career and aid your continuous professional development.

If you’re a qualified social worker with a passion for improving services and a desire to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

If you are interested in what you have read and would like to have an informal discussion, please contact: katie.allison@cumbria.gov.uk   

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 09-04-25

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Would you like to find out more?
 

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below documents:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

DBS

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

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
 

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.