At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social care delivery for children and families, overseeing multiple teams.
- Company: Join Walsall Council, the only Ofsted 'Outstanding' local authority in the Black Country.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while innovating in social work practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and a passion for supporting vulnerable families.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on values-led practice and community collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 68800 £ per year.
This job is a fixed-term contract for 12 months with a salary range of £70,599 - £77,859 per annum. Are you looking for an opportunity to lead the delivery of social care help and protection for children and families across a locality? This role involves overseeing practice and decision-making across 5 teams covering Duty and Short-term Help, and Family Help and Child Protection. You will also lead a strategic and operational initiative on the development of Walsall's innovative 'Young and Thriving' Service that supports vulnerable families with young children aged 0-5, including our most vulnerable expectant parents.
East locality is Walsall's largest geographic area, characterised by strong communities and partnerships, with a commitment to advancing change in children's best interests. It has been a pilot locality for the Families First for Children reforms, offering integrated family help and various initiatives to provide purposeful help to children and families at the earliest opportunity, alongside decisive child protection planning supported by Lead Child Protection Practitioners.
As Group Manager, you will lead a passionate and skilled group of social workers and family support workers, addressing needs from targeted families to those in Care Proceedings. You will be encouraged to innovate, drive practice improvement, and foster a culture of values-led, thoughtful, and compassionate practice, grounded in motivational interviewing and systemic practice techniques.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must provide a detailed statement describing how your skills, abilities, and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. Failure to include this statement may result in not being shortlisted. Ensure you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. CVs are not accepted.
Walsall Council's Children's Services are the only Ofsted 'Outstanding' local authority in the Black Country. Staff are proud to work for Walsall Council and feel supported in delivering great outcomes for children and young people. Walsall Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults in its care, and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required for working with these groups.
Closing Date: 13th March 2026.
Group Manager - Locality Family Help and Child Protection - Ref: CH10125 in Walsall employer: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Locality Family Help and Child Protection - Ref: CH10125 in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care field, especially those who work in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to child protection and family support, so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and innovative ideas for improving social work practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your supporting information is personal and reflects your unique experiences in social care.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Locality Family Help and Child Protection - Ref: CH10125 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic: When you're filling out your application, make sure it reflects your own voice and experiences. We want to hear what makes you unique, so avoid relying too much on AI tools. Your personal touch is what will set you apart!
Nail the Supporting Information: This is your chance to shine! Make sure you provide a detailed supporting information statement that clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria in the employee specification. If you skip this, you might not get shortlisted, and we really want to see you in the running!
Complete All Sections: Don’t forget to fill out the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. It’s super important for us to see your full background, so make sure nothing is left blank!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it’s straightforward and user-friendly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Group Manager in Locality Family Help and Child Protection. Familiarise yourself with Walsall's 'Young and Thriving' Service and the Families First for Children reforms. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in social care settings. Highlight your experience with practice improvement and how you've fostered a values-led culture among your team members.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing diverse teams or implementing new initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these challenges and what strategies you would use to overcome them.
✨Craft Your Supporting Information
When filling out your application, ensure your supporting information statement is detailed and tailored to the job criteria. Use your own voice to reflect your unique experiences and skills, as this will make your application stand out.