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BE EXCEPTIONAL WITH US.

Explore our current vacancies and discover a rewarding career where your expertise is valued, supported and celebrated

Our Vacancies

Shaping our future together

To apply to join us and make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Dudley borough at this exciting time, simply complete an online application form through our jobs portal.

​The current roles available are listed below, along with their closing dates. Click on ‘Apply Now’ to complete an online application form for the position.

The Dudley Investment: We're growing, will you join us?

Vacancies - at a glance

Social Worker - Assessment Service

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Social Worker - Family Help

​

Senior Business Support Officer

​

Panel Coordinator

​

Education Safeguarding Practitioner (MASH/MACPT)

​

Lead Education Advisor

​

Advanced Social Work Practitioner - Family Help

​

Social Worker - Children in Care Team

​

Social Worker - Assessment Service

​

Social Worker - Family Help

​

Social Worker - Children's Disabilities Team
 

Best Start Inclusion Co-ordinator
 

Lead Child Protection Practitioner

​

Business Support Officer

​

Senior Practice Supervisor

​

Placements Officer

Looking for Senior Leadership Positions?

View our senior leadership recruitment site

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Job Description (G9)

Job Description (G10)

Career Progression

Employee Benefits

Social Worker - Assessment Service

  • £39,152 - £46,142 per annum plus £7,000 per annum Market Forces Supplement

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Tuesday 20 October 2026

Our developing Family Help service aims to provide targeted support and help to families so that children and families can thrive and more families are able to stay together.

We recognise that providing the right type of support at the right time for families is key to working effectively and that lasting relationships with professionals is central to working alongside families and their networks. Working alongside families using our Restorative Model of practice, we use family led-decision making strategies and Motivational Interviewing skills to help families access creative and targeted support packages that will help to develop meaningful and lasting change for families. This includes increased capacity to manage complex parenting challenges and reducing risks within family networks and across our community.
 

Our Family Help service is delivered through the ‘Family Safeguarding model’ which delivers a whole family approach to support. Social workers and Family Help practitioners will co-ordinate the support offered to families drawing on the knowledge and skillset of experienced Child Practitioners; Drug and Alcohol practitioners’ Probation Officers; Domestic Abuse Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners. The Family Safeguarding programme is used to inform our direct work with families and our model of supervision is reflective group supervision involving those practitioners involved in supporting a family.
 

Our ambition is for more families to receive the support that they need from within their local community through our model of early support. However, we recognise that some worries about children and families arise quickly and can be significant for children, particularly child protection concerns. Our Family Help service therefore incudes an assessment service which uses our single assessment process and statutory child protection procedures, to work alongside families in assessing their needs and identifying the right plan of support for them. Referrals come directly to the team from our integrated children’s front door and link in closely with our Family Help and locality partners. We are currently developing our (Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and in time, the Assessment Team will work closed with MACPT to assess and plan for our children requiring child protection intervention.
 

If you require more information or have any questions about this exciting opportunity please email Karen Johnson (Principal Service Lead) @ karen.g.Johnson@dudley.gov.uk

Apply Now

Social Worker - Family Help

  • £39,152 to £46,142 per annum plus £7,000 per annum Market Forces Supplement

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Tuesday 20 October 2026

Making a difference where it matters most.

Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and supporting families to thrive? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Family Support Worker to join our Special Guardianship Support Service.

​

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with children living under Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) and their carers, helping to promote stability, resilience and positive outcomes. You will provide practical and emotional support to children and families, ensuring they have access to the services, guidance and interventions they need to succeed.

​​

About the Role
 

As a Family Support Worker, you will work alongside Special Guardians, children, birth family members and a range of professionals to deliver targeted support that promotes safe, stable and nurturing family placements.
 

The role is highly varied and includes:

​

  • Providing direct support and intervention to children and Special Guardians.

  • Updating annual financial assessments and Special Guardianship Support Plans.

  • Delivering wraparound support to families experiencing challenges.

  • Undertaking direct work with children to promote wellbeing, resilience and positive identity.

  • Supporting Special Guardians to understand and respond to trauma, attachment difficulties and challenging behaviour.

  • Leading and facilitating support groups and training sessions.

  • Working closely with Social Workers, schools, health professionals and partner agencies.

  • Advocating for children and ensuring their wishes and feelings are heard.

  • Undertaking community-based visits and lone working in accordance with service requirements.

  • Contributing to assessments, reviews and multi-agency planning.
     

About You
 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and resilient individual who:
 

  • Has experience of working with children, young people and families.

  • Understands safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

  • Can build positive and trusting relationships with children and carers.

  • Has excellent communication, recording and organisational skills.

  • Is able to work independently whilst contributing positively to a wider team.

  • Can effectively engage with a range of professionals and partner agencies.

  • Is committed to improving outcomes for children and supporting family permanence.
     

Knowledge of Special Guardianship, kinship care, attachment and trauma-informed practice would be advantageous, as would experience of supporting carers and vulnerable children.
 

Join Us
 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families, helping Special Guardianship placements remain safe, stable and successful.
 

If you are committed to supporting children to achieve their full potential and want to be part of a service that values relationship-based practice, we would love to hear from you.

Workplace Attendance:

Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time

Job Description (G9)

Job Description (G10)

Career Progression

Employee Benefits

Apply Now

Senior Business Support Officer

  • £27,274 - £29,071 per annum

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley (Hybrid)

  • Closing date: Saturday 31 October 2026

Are you an experienced administrator with excellent organisational skills and a passion for delivering high-quality support services?

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and highly organised Senior Business Support Officer to join our Children and Young People Directorate. This role is integral to ensuring the smooth operation of key services, providing comprehensive business support, and helping to deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and families across Dudley.

​​

About the Role
 

As a Senior Business Support Officer, you will work with a good degree of autonomy and be responsible for a range of administrative and support functions. You will play a key role in supporting statutory processes, managing financial administration, maintaining accurate records and ensuring excellent customer service standards are delivered.
 

Your responsibilities will include:
 

  • Organising and attending Stage 2 appeal meetings and producing accurate minutes.

  • Communicating outcomes of appeals to parents and carers.

  • Processing invoices, payments, purchase orders and budget-related administration.

  • Supporting the management of incoming calls, emails and enquiries.

  • Arranging meetings, events, venues and equipment.

  • Maintaining and updating information across key systems.

  • Supporting colleagues across the service with general business support functions.

  • Liaising with parents, carers, contractors and partner agencies in a professional and customer-focused manner.
     

About You
 

We are looking for someone who:

​

  • Has substantial office administration experience, including operating and developing administrative systems.

  • Has experience of minute taking and producing accurate records of meetings.

  • Holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Office Management (or equivalent), or can demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.

  • Has excellent communication and customer service skills.

  • Is confident using a wide range of ICT systems and digital solutions.

  • Demonstrates strong organisational, literacy, numeracy and keyboard skills.

  • Is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and providing excellent public services.
     

Workplace Attendance:

Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
 

Apply Now
 

If you are an organised, proactive and customer-focused professional looking for an opportunity to contribute to a dedicated and supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruiting manager Dean Stephens dean.stephens@dudley.gov.uk 

Job Description

Employee Benefits

Apply Now

Panel Coordinator

  • £26,427 - £26,847 per annum

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley (Hybrid)

  • Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026

Are you a highly organised professional with excellent coordination skills and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people?

We are seeking a proactive and skilled Panel Coordinator to lead the operational delivery of a key multi-agency decision-making panel within Children's Services. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring effective governance, high-quality administration, and robust decision-making processes that support children, young people, and families across Dudley.

​​

About the Role
 

As Panel Coordinator, you will take ownership of the end-to-end coordination of a weekly panel, ensuring all processes run efficiently, consistently, and to a high standard. You will act as the central point of contact for panel members, social work teams, and senior leaders, maintaining effective communication and ensuring that documentation, agendas, reports, and action tracking are managed with accuracy and professionalism.
 

Working closely with operational and senior leaders, you will quality assure panel information, identify gaps, drive improvements in administrative processes, and help strengthen accountability across the service.
 

What You'll Be Doing
 

  • Coordinating and quality assuring a weekly multi-agency panel.

  • Managing panel timetables, submissions, agendas, and circulation of panel packs.

  • Producing and quality assuring meeting minutes, actions, and follow-up activity.

  • Maintaining accurate records, trackers, and workflow systems.

  • Liaising with social work teams and stakeholders to resolve information gaps.

  • Implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and reliability.

  • Supporting strong governance, accountability, and performance standards across Children's Services.
     

About You
 

We are looking for someone who has:
 

  • Experience coordinating statutory, governance, or decision-making panels within Children's Services or a similar regulated environment.

  • Demonstrable experience of improving administrative processes and raising performance standards.

  • An NVQ Level 3 qualification in Administration or equivalent.

  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to implement structured timetables and workflows.

  • Confidence working with a range of stakeholders, including social work teams and senior leaders.

  • Excellent ICT skills and experience using a variety of business systems.

  • A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and public service values.
     

Workplace Attendance:

Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
 

Apply Now
 

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Laura Hopkins - Service Lead Governance and Operational Services
Laura.Hopkins@dudley.gov.uk

Job Description

Employee Benefits

Apply Now

Education Safeguarding Practitioner (MASH/MACPT)

  • £44,253 - £47,665 per annum

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley (Hybrid)

  • Closing date: Sunday 11 October 2026

We are looking to appoint two strong and experienced safeguarding education practitioners, experienced in leading safeguarding in education settings to join our Education Safeguarding Team

Working within Dudley Front Door (MASH) and Multi Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) practitioners will be representing education in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements ensuring education is a key partner, represented in decision making, being point of contact for education settings alongside providing educational advice to multi-agency partners, in line with national and local guidance.
 

Achieving strong working relationships with education settings, multi-agency partners, and the education safeguarding team, you will be proactive, positive and supportive in consideration of safeguarding thresholds, referral pathways, and multi-agency meetings, in these demanding high paced working environments.
 

Workplace Attendance:

Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
 

Apply Now
 

If you would like to discuss this opportunity please contact Jane Dickens, Lead for Safeguarding in Education, SafeguardinginEducationInfo@dudley.gov.uk 

Job Description and Person Specification

Employee Benefits

Apply Now

Lead Education Advisor

  • £48,738 - £51,928 per annum

  • Temporary (with the view to making it permanent)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley (Hybrid)

  • Closing date: Wednesday 14 October 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the educational outcomes of children who have previously been looked after, those with a social worker, and children living within formal kinship arrangements.

We are pleased to be extending the Dudley Virtual School team and are looking to appoint a dedicated and passionate professional to support some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
 

The postholder will support the Head of Virtual School in championing the educational needs of children who are previously looked after, have or have had a social worker, or are living within formal kinship arrangements.

​

The role will promote the education and achievement of children previously looked after and those in kinship care by providing advice, guidance and challenge to schools, professionals and families. Through collaboration and partnership working, the successful candidate will help ensure that children receive the support they need to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.
 

The postholder will contribute to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of Dudley Virtual School through supporting and challenging professionals working with children who have or have had a social worker or have formal kinship arrangements. The aim is to enhance educational outcomes, raise aspirations, and drive improvements in attainment, attendance and engagement.

 

The successful candidate will have: 
 

  • Significant experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and families, alongside a strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and early help processes.
     

  • Applicants will have experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), or in a comparable safeguarding leadership role.
     

  • Experience of working effectively across multi-agency partnerships, including schools, social care, health services and other stakeholders.
     

  • The ability to analyse and interpret data to identify need, monitor performance and drive service improvement.
     

  • Experience of providing professional challenge and support to schools and practitioners to improve attendance, attainment, inclusion and educational stability.
     

  • A strong commitment to working with families and carers to strengthen engagement in education and improve outcomes for children.
     

  • Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
     

  • A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional qualification, together with evidence of ongoing professional development.

​
 

Workplace Attendance:

Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
 

Apply Now
 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Virtual School and make a lasting difference to the educational experiences and outcomes of children and young people across Dudley. If you are committed to championing vulnerable learners, driving educational excellence and working collaboratively to improve lives, we would love to hear from you.

Job Description

Employee Benefits

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Advanced Social Work Practitioner - Family Help

  • £53,051 to £56,293 (salary subject to experience)

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

Our Advanced Practitioners are pivotal to establishing consistently excellent social work practice in our teams. 

Our developing Family Help service aims to provide targeted support and help to families so that children and families can thrive and more families are able to stay together. We recognise that providing the right type of support at the right time for families is key to working effectively and that lasting relationships with professionals is central to working alongside families and their networks. We believe in the power of relationships. Our Family Help model is rooted in Restorative practice and built on trust, consistency and co-production. You will work with families to create plans that reflect their voices and values – whether under Child in Need, Child Protection or care proceedings that will help to develop meaningful and lasting change for families. This includes increased capacity to manage complex parenting challenges and reducing risks within family networks and across our community.
 

Our Family Help service provides a whole family approach to support. Social workers and Family Help practitioners will co-ordinate the support offered to families drawing on the knowledge and skillset of experienced Child Practitioners; Drug and Alcohol practitioners’ Probation Officers; Domestic Abuse Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners.
 

We are based centrally at Cable Plaza, Dudley Waterfront but our Family Help service is a locality-based model. Teams working closely alongside Dudley’s 5 Family Hubs who provide early support to families through their links with our local partners. As the Family help service continues to develop, improved relationships between Family Help practitioners and our local partners will enable more families to be supported earlier when problems and difficulties are easier to address.
 

We believe our children and families deserve the consistency and stability in the support provided. Our service works with families who require a single assessment, a co-ordinated plan including child protection plans and we undertake pre-proceedings and care proceedings work. We recognise that strong permanency planning for our children is key to supporting family relationships and networks, even when it is not safe for children to remain within the care of a parent. Our kinship offer is developing and we working closely with our kinship team to secure creative and supportive plans for family networks.
 

Our service is a friendly and passionate service, always seeking to improve the best outcomes for our children and families. We offer a great opportunity to expand your skillset, knowledge, and confidence within front line help and safeguarding practice, supported by regular supervision, learning and development opportunities and a committed and supportive management team.

​

Our Advanced Practitioners are pivotal to establishing consistently excellent social work practice in our teams. You will be the allocated social worker for a small number our children needing the most skilled help whilst sharing your expertise with others through modelling, coaching, reflective supervision and other learning activities. You will support your team to improve the quality of performance and practice, support our ASYE social workers and work alongside our Centre for Professional Practice. Ideally you will possess the Practice Educator Award and be willing to work towards this. You will be able to demonstrate how you have led and supported practice in a children’s social work setting.
 

Apply Now
 

If you require more information or have any questions about this exciting opportunity please email Karen Johnson (Principal Service Lead) karen.g.Johnson@dudley.gov.uk

Job Description and Person Specification

Employee Benefits

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Social Worker - Children in Care Team

  • £40,444 to £47,665 per annum - Grade 9 or 10 subject to experience

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

We are looking for two experienced social workers to come and join our Children in Care Team here in Dudley. These vacancies have become available due to positive career progression within the service and are a rare opportunity!

If you are looking for the challenge of being a corporate parent to young people in care and are driven to achieve the best outcomes then this is the job for you. You will be a practitioner with a big heart, who role models’ relational and restorative practice with children at the heart of everything you do to help achieve amazing outcomes for all our children and young people in care through building positive relationships and connections with our children, young people and their families.

 

The Children in Care Team in Dudley is a stable service, who support all children with permanency plans following proceedings, inclusive of adoption, long term fostering, residential care, connected family placements, progressing SGO and reunification. We work closely with our care experienced personal advisors jointly to secure positive and ambitious transitional plans for our young people reaching 18.

​

Working for Dudley you will receive:
 

  • Manageable case loads

  • A comprehensive learning and development package

  • High quality professional supervision

  • Supportive and collaborative team working 

  • Excellent progression opportunities

  • A significantly streamlined IT system allowing more time away from admin and more time to work with children and their families

​

Please note: We require social workers with 1yrs post qualifying only. Candidates who have not completed their ASYE programme will not be considered for this vacancy.

​

For more information regarding Children in Care please contact Amy Baker on 01384 813098 or email amy.baker@dudley.gov.uk

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Employee Benefits

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Social Worker - Assessment Service

  • £40,444 to £47,665 plus £7,000 per annum + Market Forces Supplement (Grade 9 or 10 subject to experience)

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

Our developing Family Help service aims to provide targeted support and help to families so that children and families can thrive and more families are able to stay together.

We recognise that providing the right type of support at the right time for families is key to working effectively and that lasting relationships with professionals is central to working alongside families and their networks. Working alongside families using our Restorative Model of practice, we use family led-decision making strategies and Motivational Interviewing skills to help families access creative and targeted support packages that will help to develop meaningful and lasting change for families. This includes increased capacity to manage complex parenting challenges and reducing risks within family networks and across our community.

​

Our Family Help service is delivered through the ‘Family Safeguarding model’ which delivers a whole family approach to support. Social workers and Family Help practitioners will co-ordinate the support offered to families drawing on the knowledge and skillset of experienced Child Practitioners; Drug and Alcohol practitioners’ Probation Officers; Domestic Abuse Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners. The Family Safeguarding programme is used to inform our direct work with families and our model of supervision is reflective group supervision involving those practitioners involved in supporting a family.

​

Our ambition is for more families to receive the support that they need from within their local community through our model of early support. However, we recognise that some worries about children and families arise quickly and can be significant for children, particularly child protection concerns. Our Family Help service therefore incudes an assessment service which uses our single assessment process and statutory child protection procedures, to work alongside families in assessing their needs and identifying the right plan of support for them. Referrals come directly to the team from our integrated children’s front door and link in closely with our Family Help and locality partners. We are currently developing our (Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and in time, the Assessment Team will work closed with MACPT to assess and plan for our children requiring child protection intervention.

​

If you require more information or have any questions about this exciting opportunity please email Karen Johnson (Principal Service Lead) karen.g.johnson@dudley.gov.uk

Job Description (G9)

Job Description (G10)

Career Progression

Employee Benefits

Apply Now

Social Worker - Family Help

  • £40,444 to £47,665 plus £7,000 per annum + Market Forces Supplement (Grade 9 or 10 subject to experience)

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

Our developing Family Help service aims to provide targeted support and help to families so that children and families can thrive and more families are able to stay together.

We recognise that providing the right type of support at the right time for families is key to working effectively and that lasting relationships with professionals is central to working alongside families and their networks. Working alongside families using our Restorative Model of practice, we use family led-decision making strategies and Motivational Interviewing skills to help families access creative and targeted support packages that will help to develop meaningful and lasting change for families. This includes increased capacity to manage complex parenting challenges and reducing risks within family networks and across our community. . 

 

Our Family Help service is delivered through the ‘Family Safeguarding model’ which delivers a whole family approach to support. Social workers and Family Help practitioners will co-ordinate the support offered to families drawing on the knowledge and skillset of experienced Child Practitioners; Drug and Alcohol practitioners’ Probation Officers; Domestic Abuse Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners. The Family Safeguarding programme is used to inform our direct work with families and our model of supervision is reflective group supervision involving those practitioners involved in supporting a family. 

 

We are based centrally at Cable Plaza, Dudley Waterfront but our Family Help service is a locality-based model. Teams working closely alongside Dudley’s 5 Family Hubs who provide early support to families through their links with our local partners. As the Family help service continues to develop, improved relationships between Family Help practitioners and our local partners will enable more families to be supported earlier when problems and difficulties are easier to address. 

 

We believe our children and families deserve the consistency and stability in the support provided. Our service works with families who require a single assessment, a co-ordinated plan including child protection plans and we undertake pre-proceedings and care proceedings work. We recognise that strong permanency planning for our children is key to supporting family relationships and networks, even when it is not safe for children to remain within the care of a parent. Our kinship offer is developing and we working closely with our kinship team to secure creative and supportive plans for family networks.

 

Our service is a friendly and passionate service, always seeking to improve the best outcomes for our children and families. We offer a great opportunity to expand your skillset, knowledge, and confidence within front line help and safeguarding practice, supported by regular supervision and a committed and supportive management team.

 

If you are passionate about working with children, are motivated to make a difference, and have a desire to help and support others, we want to hear from you!

 

If you require more information or have any questions about this exciting opportunity please email Karen Johnson (Principal Service Lead) karen.g.johnson@dudley.gov.uk

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Social Worker - Children's Disabilities Team

  • £40,444 to £47,665 pro-rata (Grade 9 or 10 subject to experience)

  • Permanent - (Part Time - 18.5 hours)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities and their families.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Social Worker to join our Children with Disabilities Team (CDT) within the Through Care division of Dudley’s Children’s Services.

​

As part of a dynamic and supportive team, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality social care services, manage a varied caseload, and work collaboratively across agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.

​

Key Responsibilities
 

  • Undertake child-centred assessments and develop care plans that reflect the needs and risks identified.

  • Deliver protective and supportive services for children at risk, in need, or looked after.

  • Maintain accurate and timely case records using the Children Case Management (CCM) system.

  • Attend multi-agency meetings, including child protection conferences and court hearings.

  • Work directly with children and families to implement care plans and interventions.

  • Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, departmental policies, and equal opportunities frameworks.

  • Participate in regular supervision and contribute to team development.
     

About You
 

You will be a qualified Social Worker (DipSW or equivalent) and registered or eligible for registration with Social Work England. You will have:
 

  • Experience working with children and families.

  • Strong knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance.

  • Excellent assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to communicate effectively and maintain high-quality written records.

  • Commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice.

  • A full driving licence, access to a vehicle, and business use car insurance.

​

Special Conditions

​

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. You must hold a valid full driving licence and have access to a vehicle with business use insurance and a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).

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Best Start Inclusion Co-ordinator

  • £44,253 - £47,665 per annum

  • Fixed Term till March 2029

  • Dudley Best Start Family Hubs

  • Closing date: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Help shape Dudley's future for children with SEND - We are looking for an ambitious, creative and passionate leader to join our Integrated Early Years Service as our new Best Start in Life Inclusion Coordinator.

This exciting new role will provide leadership for Dudley's Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioners, ensuring a consistent, high-quality and integrated early years SEND offer across our five Best Start Family Hubs.
 

Working at the heart of our Best Start in Life and SEND strategies, you will develop and lead an innovative model that supports early identification, early intervention and inclusion for children aged 0–5 with emerging or identified special educational needs and disabilities.
 

This is a unique opportunity to influence system-wide change, bring partners together and ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
 

What you'll be doing

 

You will:
 

  • Lead and develop the Best Start Inclusion model across Dudley.

  • Provide line management, supervision and professional leadership for a team of Best Start Inclusion Practitioners.

  • Build strong partnerships across education, health, early help, family hubs and voluntary sector organisations.

  • Drive quality assurance, performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

  • Ensure families experience joined-up, coordinated support and clear pathways.

  • Support the delivery of Dudley's SEND Strategy, Best Start in Life ambitions and Family Hub programme.

  • Champion co-production and ensure the voices of children, parents and carers shape service development.

  • Use data and evidence to demonstrate impact and reduce inequalities across communities.

​

About you
 

We are looking for an experienced leader who has:
 

  • Significant experience working with children aged 0–5 with SEND or emerging needs.

  • Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, early years inclusion and early intervention.

  • Experience of managing staff, leading change and improving services.

  • A proven ability to work across complex multi-agency systems.

  • Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills.

  • Experience of performance management, quality assurance and using data to drive improvement.

  • A passion for inclusion, collaboration and achieving better outcomes for children and families.
     

Why join us?
 

At Dudley, we are committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. You will have the opportunity to shape a new service, influence strategic development and work alongside passionate colleagues across children's services, health and education.

Together, we are building an ambitious and inclusive system where children and families can thrive.
 

Help us create a more inclusive future for Dudley's youngest children.

Job Description and Person Specification

Employee Benefits

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Lead Child Protection Practitioner

  • £53,051 - £56,293 per annum - (salary subject to experience)

  • Permanent (full time) - 3 posts available

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley

  • Closing date: Thursday 12 November 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Do you have the drive to support and empower young people to achieve their full potential? If so, Dudley is the place for you.

In Dudley we are supportive of our social workers, passionate about our restorative practice, and ambitious for the future prospects of all of our children. All of this made possible by our committed leaders who are visible and responsive.
 

We need people like you who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across our borough. 
 

The Lead Child Protection Practitioner is a qualified social worker with significant experience and skill to act as an expert in the field of child protection.  You must have excellent knowledge in all areas of potential Child Abuse, the contributing factors, and consequences.
 

You will need to be able to provide expert advice and consultation to practitioners across the multi-agency partnership and support families when significant harm has been identified. You will have a role with the Strategy Meetings, section 47 enquiries, children on child protection plans and children in pre proceedings. You will need to be able to encourage family group decision making and challenge across the multi-agency group. 
 

If you are someone who is passionate and committed to excellent social work practice and achieving the very best for our Children, Young People and Families then we want to hear from you!
 

We are a family Safeguarding Local Authority and committed to working restoratively. As such we want our social workers to spend time building relationships with families to achieve real and sustainable change.


You will need to be Social Work England registered to apply for this role

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Please get in touch with Cornelia Heaney cornelia.heaney@dudley.gov.uk or Terry Cranston terry.cranston@dudley.gov.uk if you would like any further information about this exciting opportunity.

Job Description and Person Specification

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Business Support Officer

  • £26,427 - £26,847 per annum

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Office-based role, predominantly based within Family Hubs and Youth Centres, working across other Council sites within the Dudley borough

  • Closing date: Wednesday 28 October 2026

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in supporting services that make a real difference to children, young people and families across Dudley.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and people-focused Business Support Officer to join our dynamic team supporting Youth and Family Hubs, within Dudley Children’s Services. 

No two days are the same, from supporting frontline teams and helping families, to managing data, finances and key systems. You’ll be right at the heart of delivering high-quality services. 
 

Key Responsibilities

 

You will:
 

  • Act as the first point of contact for families, partner agencies and colleagues, answering calls, greeting visitors and signposting to appropriate services
     

  • Provide high-quality administrative support to ensure the effective delivery of services
     

  • Manage and maintain data systems and accurate records
     

  • Support meetings, including arranging, minuting and following up on actions
     

  • Support safeguarding processes and ensure accurate and timely record keeping
     

  • Contribute to service improvements and new ways of working
     

  • Undertake financial processes, including raising and processing invoices, purchase orders and payments, as well as cash handling, petty cash and purchase card reconciliation in line with audit requirements
     

  • Support recruitment and HR-related processes
     

  • Ensure compliance with council policies, including safeguarding, data protection and health & safety
     

About You 
 

You will have: 
 

  • NVQ Administration Level 3 (or equivalent).

  • Proven experience in administrative front facing roles. 

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.

  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

  • Confidence using a range of ICT systems.

  • Experience handling financial processes (e.g. invoices, payments and reconciliation)

  • Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection and Freedom of Information.

  • The ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across teams.
     

Apply now
 

If you would like further information, please contact: 

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  • Jenny Steadman on 01384 814 199 (Monday, Tuesday all day, or Wednesday morning)

  • Emma Bunting on 01384 813 437 (Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, or Friday)

 

Please note: Previous Applicants need not apply

Job Description and Person Specification

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Senior Practice Supervisor

  • £44,253 - £47,665 subject to pro-rata

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Lye Family Hub

  • Closing date: Saturday 14 November 2026

We’re seeking a committed, innovative professional who is passionate about making a difference. If you're a strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Informal visits to Lye family hub are welcomed, please call 01384 813954 to book in for the dates and times below:
 

  • 26th October 2026 3.00pm-4.00pm
     

  • 26th October 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm
     

  • 30th October 2026 9.00am-10.00am
     

  • 30th October 2026 10.00am- 11.00am
     

For more information or an informal conversation, please contact:
 

Nicola Wellings - nicola.wellings@dudley.gov.uk

Sarah Moore – sarah.moore@dudley.gov.uk
 

Join a passionate and dedicated team committed to making a meaningful difference.

Apply now and help shape the future of family support in our community

Job Description and Person Specification

Employee Benefits

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Placements Officer

  • £32,578 - £35,570 per annum (salary subject to experience)

  • Permanent (full time)

  • Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley (hybrid)

  • Closing date: Wednesday 28 October 2026

This is an exciting and rewarding time to join Child Friendly Dudley as we strengthen our approach to delivering high-quality, safe and sustainable placements for children and young people.

Social Care Placements Officers will play a pivotal role in securing, coordinating and monitoring placements for our children in care. You will work closely with social workers, providers and partner agencies to ensure that placements are safe, suitable, cost-effective and responsive to the assessed needs of children and young people.
 

You will have experience of working in a social care, commissioning, placement finding or related setting, with the ability to evidence strong negotiation skills, effective decision-making and experience of working in fast paced environments. You will be confident in challenging poor practice, supporting colleagues and providers, and helping to ensure that Dudley’s children receive the highest standard of care.
 

You will be dynamic, solution focused and committed to achieving positive outcomes for our children. You will demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills, with an ability to build strong relationships while ensuring compliance with statutory duties, policies and procedures.

 

Apply now
 

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Emma Dixon, Strategic Commissioning Manager (Children’s Social Care)

Emma.Dixon@dudley.gov.uk

 

Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time

Job Description and Person Specification

Employee Benefits

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Don’t see the perfect role right now?

We are always looking for passionate, exceptional talent to join Dudley Children's Services. If your ideal role isn't listed above, we still want to hear from you. Get in touch with our team for a confidential, informal chat about future opportunities

CONTACT OUR TEAM
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