Residential Support Worker (Sponsorship Available) At Westmorland and Furness Council

About This Opportunity

1 x 37 hour post
2 x Relief posts

21 Huntley Avenue is a short breaks service based in Penrith, Cumbria. Westmorland and Furness Council offers residential short breaks to children and young people with learning and physical disabilities, autism, and complex needs, including behaviours that challenge. Inclusion is encouraged, ensuring that children and young people are part of the wider community, through outings and activities aimed at providing a fun and stimulating environment.

Working in Westmorland and Furness Council Children’s Homes means being a part of a young person’s day-to-day life. This involves being there for the highest highs and lowest lows. There will be challenges along the way, but also small moments that feel like huge victories. The aim is to create the best possible outcome for the young people in care, and support workers are fulfilled by making even small positive changes.

A high-quality service is provided to children and young people with SEND. In this role, the Residential Support Worker works as part of a team to assess each child and young person’s needs, implement individual care plans/programmes, and provide supervision and support.

The role involves tapping into each young person’s needs, personality, and potential, and guiding them toward a positive future. Exciting activities are arranged and planned for children, including go-karting, theme parks, and adventure days. Evenings and weekends are designed for fun.

This is a highly rewarding but challenging role that requires confidence, self-motivation, and a strong desire to make a difference. Close relationships are built with families and young people, ensuring their voices are heard in all aspects of care planning and their experience of staying at the home.

21 Huntley Avenue was rated Outstanding by OFSTED, reflecting Westmorland and Furness Council’s commitment to the young people served. Joining the team means contributing to a caring and nurturing environment.

Who Westmorland and Furness Council Is Looking For

Experience working with children and young people with disabilities is preferred, ideally in a residential setting. A Level 3 in Residential Childcare is desirable, but applications are welcomed from those passionate about making a difference and willing to work towards the qualification. A strong understanding of managing behaviours that challenge is important, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with children, young people, and their families.

What Westmorland and Furness Council Offers

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council includes a range of benefits such as a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance, and various perks and discount schemes. More details are available on Westmorland and Furness Council Careers site: Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Application and Interview Information

Closing date: 15th June 2026
Interview date: 22nd June 2026

Westmorland and Furness Council operates both in-person and virtual interviews. Options are discussed once candidates are invited to the interview stage, and adjustments can be made if required.

Westmorland and Furness Council is able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Eligibility cannot be guaranteed for all roles, and more information can be found on the UK government website: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes – GOV.UK.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. This role requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check and involves working in regulated activity with children.

It is an offence for barred individuals to apply for roles requiring unsupervised work with children.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving workforce diversity to better reflect the communities served. Applications are welcomed from all candidates, and an inclusive, supportive culture is promoted.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Guaranteed interviews are also offered to Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and eligible care-experienced individuals under 24 who meet the essential criteria.

Additional Information

For further information about this role, including responsibilities and essential criteria, refer to the attached documents:

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.