We offer 70 and 100-day placements and fast-track interviews for final-year students.
Children's Services
"I love the variety of work that our team do. Due to the diverse families we work with and the often complex needs they have, no two days are the same!"
Helen, Children's Services
Together we are Needs-led
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Working in Children’s Services
Westmorland and Furness Council is a local authority with a clear vision: that all children, young people and families thrive. Our Children and Families Service is on an exciting journey, delivering innovative and purposeful work that truly makes a difference. Join a team where your growth is supported, your voice is heard, and your impact matters.
We collaborate with key professionals and agencies and keep on top of changing policies and procedures to ensure the best outcomes for children and families. We have a brilliant team of skilled people who are there to support and guide you through any challenges.
The opportunity to make a difference in a child's life makes it all worthwhile.
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Children’s Social Work - Careers
Helping children and families thrive – together
Our children’s social work teams provide a key role in improving the lives of families and children in the area.
The work is both rewarding yet challenging. You're tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of children in your community, often dealing with complex family dynamics and sensitive situations.
From safeguarding vulnerable children to providing support for families in need, every day presents new opportunities to make a positive impact.
Supportive Social Work Employer Finalist
Our Children and Families team have been shortlisted for the ‘Supportive Social Work Employer Award’ at The Social Worker of the Year Awards 2025 and have been recognised for going above and beyond to support their social work teams
Finalists were selected by a panel of independent judges, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work. The Social Worker of the Year Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in the profession and aims to improve public understanding of the challenging and rewarding work social workers do every day.
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Routes into Social Work
Student Placements
Social Work Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn with our internal Social Work Degree Apprenticeship route (open to eligible internal staff). We currently have no external opportunities, but should this change, we will announce this on our website. If you would be interested in this apprenticeship, please keep an eye out for vacancies such as our Child and Family Worker, Targeted Family Help Worker, Early Help Officer and Residential Support Worker, which are all roles that would be suitable for our internal apprenticeship proposition.
Step Up to Social Work
A 14-month, fully funded postgraduate route for career changers. Applications for the 2026 Step up to Social Work programme have now closed. Please keep an eye on the Step up to Social Work website, for information on the next cohort.
Return to Social Work
Been away from social work? We are currently developing a programme to offer tailored shadowing opportunities and support with re-registration.
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Social Work Career Progression
Grow with us. Learn, develop, and lead.
Our Children’s Social Work Academy provides training and development across our Children and Families Service. We have a 5-stage career framework, which clearly defines progression opportunities throughout your social work career including management pathways.
Ofsted noted in their 2024 inspection: "Workers value the training offered and feel that it is responsive to their development needs"
Stage 1- ASYE
Comprehensive induction, capped caseloads, weekly supervisions, study time, and career mentoring.
Stage 2- Early Career
Specialist training, shadowing, and deeper practice reflection.
Stage 3- Growth & Expertise
Train as a Practice Educator and mentor students or NQSWs.
Stage 4- Executive Coaching and Mentoring
Lead practice development and support ASYE cohorts.
Stage 5- Aspiring Leaders
A dedicated leadership programme for future managers.
“I’ve had outstanding support through my ASYE – regular supervision, training, and great mentorship.” – Leah, NQSW
Meet our Social Work Teams
Our social work teams cover the full spectrum of support for children and young people:
- Multi-Agency Children’s Hub – First point of contact for support for children and families.
- Support and Protect – Child in Need, Child Protection, and court work.
- Cared For - Support for cared for children and young people.
- Children with Disabilities – Dedicated support for children with complex needs.
- Fostering & Adoption – Recruitment, assessment and, support.
We also have a range of specialist teams to support children, young people and families:
- Care Experienced – support for care leavers transitioning to independence.
- Specialist Intervention Teams – Domestic Abuse, Complex Safeguarding, Resilience, Emotional Health & Wellbeing, Family, Assessment and Support Team.
- Targeted Family Help – providing preventative support to children and families.
- Youth Justice – Preventing offending and building brighter futures.
Our principles guide everything we do: trauma-informed, relationship-based, strengths-based, family-led, and child-centred.
Why Work for Us?
Within our teams we encourage a supportive culture where people matter. We adopt a wellbeing-first approach including regular reflective supervision, mental health support, and a trauma-informed culture. We also hold regular staff appreciation events to show we value you. If you would like to find out more about the benefits of joining Westmorland and Furness Council, please visit Our Benefits.
From the Lake District to the Dales, our area offers stunning scenery, strong communities, and a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re a local or relocating, it’s a great place to build your career – and your life. For more information about our area, please visit Our Council.
“I’ve never felt so supported in my role – wellbeing really is prioritised here.”
Ready to make a difference?
We would love to hear from you. Explore our current vacancies or get in touch at ChildrensSocialWorkAcademy@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk for an informal chat
Meet Josie
Residential Support Worker
"I find my role really rewarding. Working with children with autism and/or a learning disability is very fulfilling. We can see children enjoy, grow and learn and become more confident in a wide range of activities such as crafting and trampolining.
The council are really good in offering training courses which builds the knowledge and confidence of the whole team. I feel Westmorland and Furness Council has a really good, pro-active learning culture."
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