At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to improve services for children and young people in care.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to transforming social care for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful change and community improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care and strategic transformation.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Salary: £76,597 - £81,370 (pay award pending)
Location: Dudley, West Midlands – hybrid
Contract: Permanent, full time
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven leader with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking an exceptional Principal Lead – Through Care, to play a central role in shaping the future of Children and Young People’s Social Care services across our borough.
Responsibilities
- Act as an active member of the Children & Young People Leadership Team, leading strategic and operational service delivery and improvement within Children’s Social Care, with a focus on Children in Care.
- Provide high quality leadership and manage inclusive teams fostering high performance and ensuring services are compliant with legal, statutory and governance requirements.
- Lead and develop own teams to deliver the implementation of the Council’s strategic priorities through development of local strategies and translating strategic requirements into practical implementation, working collaboratively across the Council.
- Support the development and delivery of the Children & Young People Improvement Plan, embedding a culture of financial responsibility, a children and family focus and service excellence.
Qualifications
We are looking for a strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations. The ideal candidate inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands all legislation relating to Children’s Social Care and Children in Care, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.
Applications close: Midnight Sunday 19th July 2026
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro‑rata) or onsite full time.
Principal Lead – Through Care in Dudley employer: Community Care Live
Community Care Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, dedicated consultants, and a commitment to empowering individuals in the community, employees can expect meaningful work and opportunities for development in the heart of Devon. The company also offers competitive pay and additional benefits, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lead – Through Care in Dudley
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Community Care Live.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Community Care Live!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Community Care Live, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Community Care Live or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lead – Through Care in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Community Care Live:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Care Live! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
