At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative strategies to support children and families in need.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to improving life chances for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding and family support.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader shaping the future of social care services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and strong partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 € per year.
Salary: £108,015 - £118,680 (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 a visionary Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding to play a central role in shaping the future of Children and Young People’s Social Care services across our borough. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to support children and families.
Responsibilities- Drive the vision for safeguarding and support services for families with responsibility for overseeing multi-disciplinary teams that work collaboratively to protect vulnerable children and adults, promote family resilience, and improve outcomes.
- Lead the development and implementation of strategies that ensure early intervention, prevention, and tailored support for families experiencing complex challenges and championing a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and child-centred approach, ensuring safeguarding practices are robust, proportionate, and focused on achieving long-term positive change.
- Work across wider teams, external agencies, and communities to create seamless, integrated services that keep children safe, support parents, and strengthen families.
We are looking for a strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations. The successful candidate will inspire teams, build strong partnerships, understand all legislation relating to Children’s Social Care, and bring energy, integrity and ambition.
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer committed to transforming the lives of children and young people in the West Midlands. With a strong focus on values-driven leadership, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams. Our hybrid working model and emphasis on early intervention strategies provide unique opportunities for impactful work, making Dudley a rewarding place to advance your career in social care.
Contact Detail:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of social care, especially those connected to Dudley Council. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the key challenges facing children and families in Dudley. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their transformation journey and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and your approach to safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the life chances of children and young people shine through. We want to see your commitment to safeguarding and supporting families, so share your experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of Children’s Social Care, so reference relevant legislation and your strategic vision in your application.
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a senior leadership position, it’s crucial to showcase your leadership experience. We want to know how you’ve inspired teams and driven transformation in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest legislation and best practices related to Children’s Social Care. Familiarise yourself with Dudley Council's current strategies and challenges, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership skills, especially in driving transformation and building partnerships. Think about times when you've inspired teams or implemented successful strategies, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working across multi-disciplinary teams, highlight your experience in fostering collaboration. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully integrated services or worked with external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for families.
✨Be Values-Driven
Dudley Council is looking for someone who embodies their values. Reflect on your own values and how they align with the council’s mission to improve life chances for children and young people. Be prepared to discuss how you would champion a strengths-based and child-centred approach in your work.