Senior Social Worker - Adolescent Safeguarding

Senior Social Worker – Adolescent Safeguarding | Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Position: Senior Social Worker
Team: Adolescent Safeguarding
Contract: Locum (6 months +)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Pay Rate: £38 per hour
Location: Dudley 
Start Date: ASAP
Working Pattern: Full-time, hybrid working

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com

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Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council are looking for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join their Adolescent Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with young people at risk of exploitation, missing episodes, and complex safeguarding concerns, within a supportive service that focuses on relationship-based practice.

What You Can Expect:

• Competitive pay rate of £38 per hour

• Hybrid working model to support work-life balance

• Manageable caseloads of around 20–24 cases

• Minimum 6-month assignment with potential for extension

• A supportive and collaborative team environment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Hold a caseload of adolescents with complex safeguarding needs, including exploitation and contextual safeguarding issues

• Undertake assessments, care planning and direct work with young people and families

• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people to support engagement and positive outcomes

• Lead on safeguarding interventions, working closely with multi-agency partners including schools, health, police and voluntary services

• Contribute to child protection conferences, reviews and, where necessary, court proceedings

• Support less experienced colleagues through mentoring and professional guidance

Requirements:

• SWE Registration

• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)

• Significant post-qualified experience in adolescent or safeguarding services

• Strong knowledge of contextual safeguarding, exploitation and risk management

• Proven ability to manage complex caseloads effectively

• Excellent partnership working and communication skills

Why Dudley?
Dudley MBC is committed to investing in its workforce and ensuring staff feel supported and valued. With strong leadership, manageable caseloads, and a clear focus on relationship-based practice, the authority provides an environment where social workers can thrive. Dudley is also well located in the West Midlands, with excellent transport links, affordable housing and access to green spaces, making it an attractive place to both work and live.

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This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Senior Social Worker to join Dudley’s Adolescent Safeguarding service, where you will play a key role in protecting and empowering young people.

Apply today or contact Emily Cooper for more information – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com