Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Social Worker – Adolescent Safeguarding Team

Pay Rate: £41 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Adolescent Safeguarding Team.
You will work with vulnerable adolescents who may be at risk of exploitation, missing episodes, criminal involvement, contextual safeguarding concerns, and other complex risks.

This is a specialist role focused on engaging young people, reducing risk, and promoting positive outcomes through effective multi-agency partnership working.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of adolescents with complex safeguarding needs.
Undertake assessments and develop effective intervention plans.
Work with young people at risk of exploitation, extra-familial harm, and criminality.
Complete Child in Need and Child Protection work where required.
Build strong relationships with young people and their families.
Work collaboratively with education, health, police, youth justice, and community services.
Maintain accurate case records and prepare high-quality reports.

Practice Model Used by Dudley

Dudley Children's Services uses a Strengths-Based Practice Model supported by Signs of Safety principles.
This approach focuses on:

Building strong relationships with children, young people, and families
Identifying strengths and protective networks
Collaborative and transparent decision-making
Clear risk assessment and safety planning
Reflective supervision and continuous professional development
The model supports child-centred and outcome-focused practice.

Why Dudley Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Dudley offers an excellent combination of affordability, connectivity, and community:

Affordable housing compared to many neighbouring areas.
Excellent transport links to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the wider Midlands region.
Access to green spaces, parks, and local attractions including Dudley Zoo and Castle.
Strong local communities and family-friendly neighbourhoods.
A supportive local authority committed to staff wellbeing, development, and improving outcomes for children and young people.
It’s a great place to build your career while enjoying a strong work-life balance.