Service Director - Education, SEND and Familiy Solutions

Job Purpose

Under the overall direction of the Director of Children\’s Services, the post holder will be fully accountable for implementing Dudley Council\’s vision and priorities for education, learning, inclusion, services for young people, and special educational needs.

Responsible for services focused on the education and inclusion needs of children and young people within the Borough, including:

• Special Educational Needs, Schools Organisation/Development, and Services to Schools
• Family Solutions through Early Help/Stronger Families and Children\’s Centres
• Youth Offending Service and Youth Provision

Specific Responsibilities

1. Lead on the education and early years functions of the Council as the local education authority, working with the Director of Children\’s Services to ensure full discharge of statutory obligations.
2. Provide professional advice, support, and challenge to the Borough\’s schools and early years settings to improve educational outcomes for children and young people.
3. Oversee the effective discharge of the Council\’s responsibilities for family solutions services through early help, stronger families, and children\’s centres.
4. Oversee responsibilities related to special education needs and disability services, prioritizing actions to reduce school exclusions.
5. Manage youth offending and youth services, supporting innovation and community development.
6. Alongside the Head of Education Outcomes, oversee learning, pupil attainment, achievement, progress, and school improvement functions across maintained schools.
7. Lead strategic development and implementation of SEND services, ensuring effective delivery of Dudley\’s SEND strategy, including commissioning and managing provision for vulnerable learners.
8. Lead initiatives to improve educational outcomes for vulnerable learners, promoting inclusion and integrated working across education, health, and social care.
9. Ensure effective delivery of early years and youth services, and collaborate with Corporate Finance for DSG budget distribution.
10. Ensure resource allocation (financial, human, physical) effectively delivers value for money.
11. Utilize data analysis to monitor school performance and enable intervention when necessary.
12. Collaborate with school admissions and planning services to fulfill statutory responsibilities.
13. Implement and oversee the Directorate improvement plan related to inclusion and SEN, contributing to wider Children\’s Services improvements.
14. Work in partnership with colleagues, agencies, and organizations to deliver integrated services to children, young people, and families.
15. Provide strategic advice and support to Members, Directors, and service managers on relevant issues.
16. Lead, manage, and motivate staff through effective communication, guidance, and development.
17. Contribute to the Directorate Management Team, ensuring effective leadership of your division and the wider directorate.
18. Deputize for the DCS as required.
19. Participate in Council management and contribute to its objectives.
20. Coordinate and manage resources to provide or commission high-quality services to communities and individuals.
21. Manage service change effectively to align with strategic priorities, working flexibly to adapt to changing circumstances.

Connect2Dudley is a trading style of Dudley & Kent Commercial Services LTD, a joint venture between Dudley Metropolitan Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dudley is an equal opportunities employment agency that encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

#J-18808-Ljbffr