Working for Cumbria Care - Get started in care

"Why didn't I do it before? I am still finding my feet but I love the caring side. It's a breath of fresh air. I don't get up and dread going to work now, I really look forward to going in every day." Cathy Lister, Support Worker Inglewood Residential Home


Getting started in care is less about what you know and much more about the type of person you are and willingness to make a difference. There are lots of different jobs in care as well as a variety of settings. 

Working in care involves much more than you think and could lead you to a career you may not have considered. There are opportunities to progress into a wide range of careers:

  • Specialising in an area such as dementia, learning disability, end of life care or reablement
  • Team leading or management roles
  • Roles such as nursing, physiotherapy or social work
  • Support roles such as a trainer or quality assurance

Caring requires a really special person. No previous experience is necessary, what matters most is that you have the right attitudes and beliefs. 

If you are the kind of person who always put others before yourself, likes working with people and enjoys learning new things then you could be the person we are looking for.

There are a few core skills that are required to help you do everyday tasks like communicating clearly, counting medication and making notes. You will be fully supported and given training to make sure you are confident in your role completing induction training as well as ongoing support and training throughout.

As part of Cumbria County Council, we're one of the biggest employers in Cumbria. Our size means there are lots of opportunities to progress, get involved and find the right role for you. Our employees benefit from the excellent terms and conditions and supportive workplaces.

Pay

We offer competitive rates of pay in accordance with the Living Wage.

Training

Our complete and thorough in-house training programme will give you the skills you need to do the job and provide excellent opportunities to develop your role further if you choose

Career opportunities and development

Because of our size and the range of services we offer there are regular opportunities to progress within Cumbria Care into more senior roles or into different service areas to build your experience. We take 'growing our own' seriously and you will get the support you need to progress.

A job with Cumbria Care can also be a stepping stone to other careers in Health and Social Care such as - Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Nursing.

Holidays

Full-time employees in their first year with Cumbria County Council will receive 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays. If you stay with us this increases to 30 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays when you've been with us for 5 years or more.

Travel costs

If you travel as part of your job you will be paid for your travel time and mileage expenses.

More

  • Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
  • Supportive working environment
  • 2 week rota so you can plan your life
  • Maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave
  • Cycle Scheme

"The pension is such a huge benefit. When you are younger you don't really worry about it, but the Council scheme is so much more generous than other employers, it really makes a difference to the lifestyle you can have when you are older and looking at retiring." Paul Roberts, Maintenance Engineer for the Community Equipment Service


Cumbria Care offers apprenticeships every year. You can get hands on experience, a salary and the opportunity to gain qualifications while you work. Anyone living in England, over 16 years of age and not in full time education can apply for an apprenticeship.

Latest apprenticeship opportunities

Watch a video of Ruby who is an Adult Support Care Worker.