At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Family Help services to support children and families effectively.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on transformational change and service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Dudley.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children's Social Care and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Location: Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley
Salary: £76,597 to £81,370 (pay award pending)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Are you an inspirational, values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families? Dudley are embarking on an exciting journey of improvement. We have strengthened capacity at Associate Director level with four permanent roles: AD Education and Inclusion, AD Quality, Performance and Improvement, AD Family Help and Safeguarding, and AD Corporate Parenting. We are now recruiting to our Principal Service Lead roles to further strengthen our leadership capacity.
Dudley Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Service Lead – Family Help to join our Children & Young People Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering high-quality early intervention, family support and safeguarding services that help children thrive and prevent needs escalating into statutory care.
In this role, you will:
- Lead Family Help services, including Targeted Early Help, Children in Need, Child Protection and Court Progression, ensuring children and families receive timely, effective support.
- Drive safeguarding, performance and improvement, delivering high-quality practice, robust risk management and transformational change across services.
- Build strong partnerships and high-performing teams, working across health, education, police and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes and reduce demand on statutory services.
Who we're looking for:
We are seeking a visible, authentic and ambitious leader with significant experience in Children's Social Care and a strong track record of leading successful service improvement. If you’re driven to make a real impact for children and families across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
Applications close: 31/8/26
The recruitment process consists of a young person’s panel and final interview. Interview dates will be confirmed following shortlisting. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.
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. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Principal Service Lead - Family Help in Dudley employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Join our dedicated team at Dudley's Best Start Family Hubs, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers Family Support Workers to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring you grow professionally while working alongside passionate colleagues committed to delivering effective early help interventions. Enjoy the unique advantage of working within a community-focused environment that values your contributions and fosters sustainable change.
Contact Details:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Service Lead - Family Help 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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, 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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council 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 Service Lead - Family Help 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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council! 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 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨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.
