Careers - Dudley Lodge

Careers

Updated June 2022

Are you looking for a Change in Career or to gain valuable experience in the field of Social Care/Social Work? Look no further and apply today to join our friendly team at Dudley Lodge!

No experience or qualifications are required as we provide a thorough induction and ongoing training and coaching. We are committed to developing your knowledge base and skills and financially support all new staff to undertake the NVQ Level 3 in Childcare Residential, where needed. There are great opportunities for career progression at Dudley Lodge!

Our shift patterns allow our staff to avoid the morning rush and school run traffic, making the commute to the centre’s a lot calmer and quicker. Staff are shown appreciation throughout the year with a full events and activities calendar, and the opportunity to receive additional allowances to their salary at the end of each year.

We are currently recruiting for:

Registered Manager - Birmingham

Job Title: Registered Manager

Grade: Scale Point 62 - 68 (£49,853 - £54,512)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Base: Bonner House, Birmingham

Have you got previous experience of working in a residential setting, and do you hold a NVQ Level 5 in Management? Whether you are Social Work qualified or looking to gain valuable experience in the field of Social Care/Social Work? Look no further and apply today to join our friendly team at Dudley Lodge!

If you feel you have the skills and knowledge to work for our Centre as a Registered Manager but do not hold a Social Work Qualification, we will further increase your qualifications by enrolling you on a Social Work Apprenticeship. There are great opportunities for career progression at Dudley Lodge!

Purpose of Job

To be the Registered Manager for Bonner House Residential Family Assessment Centre.
To be responsible for the day-to-day practices within the Centre and the community.
To ensure the Centre remains compliant with relevant legislation and the National Minimum Standards (OFSTED).
To actively manage the Centre, staff and effectiveness of the service.
To provide a high quality and dependable standard of service in line with the values and standards of the organisation.
To actively uphold Dudley Lodge’s reputation with our stakeholders.

Background of Dudley Lodge

Dudley Lodge is a UK registered non-profit making organisation established in 1895, we are one of the leading Family Assessment Centres in England and Wales. The whole emphasis of our organisation is to safeguard children.

We have been conducting quality Family Assessments for over 35 years and now operate over two sites; Coventry & Birmingham primarily focusing on Residential Assessments.

Our Purpose is to provide the Courts and other relevant parties concerned with the safeguarding of children, a range of high quality, independent assessments, interventions and services regarding referred parents/carers’ abilities to keep children safe, and to assess their capacity and potential for promoting children’s continuing wellbeing.

Benefits of working at Dudley Lodge:

Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
Team building days
Employee Assistance Programme – this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
Private Medical Insurance - After 1-year continuous employment permanent employees can opt for free cover under the company’s Private Medical Insurance scheme
Health Shield - After 1 year’s continuous employment, you can opt for free cover under this Cash Plan policy.
A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
Life Assurance - Group Life Assurance Policy with Canada Life. The scheme provides a tax-free benefit to all permanent employees, paying a lump sum amount of 2 x salary in the event of death in service.
Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
Continuous training and professional development opportunities
Enhanced holidays:
- 27 days plus 8 bank holidays – up to 5 years continuous employment
- 32 days plus 8 bank holidays – over 5 years continuous employment
Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS
Bike (Cycle) Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike (max, £1000 or 50% of monthly contractual salary). The employee cycle loan request form should be completed for validation.
Attendance allowance to reflect 100% attendance throughout the calendar year (up to a maximum of one week’s salary per annum and subject to any required adjustments to the eligibility requirements on a case-by-case basis) to be paid at or around the end of each calendar year.
Long Service Awards: We value our staff and to show recognition we offer long service award

Effectiveness Areas

Senior Management Team Membership
Centre Management
Staff Management
Quality Management

Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Management Team Membership - Main Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the Operations Manager’s, Executive Team and the Board of Directors, to foster and develop a culture in the organisation in which all legal requirements are met and all standards of service provision meet the expectations of OFSTED.
To work in conjunction with the Service Manager and deputise in their absence.
To develop strong professional working relationships with Executive Team members to further the objectives and strategy of the Charity.
To undertake a regular assessment and evaluation of the working practices and culture of the organisation in conjunction with others and recommend necessary changes and actions arising out of this.

Centre Management - Main Responsibilities:

To chair Senior Management and Team Meetings.
To provide a safe and structured environment for staff and families.
To meet the requirements as set out in the Centre’s ‘Statement of Purpose’, which includes staffing, health & safety etc.
To meet all regulations as stipulated by OFSTED.
To have main oversight of the Centre’s medication procedures and ensure these are adhered to by all Centre staff.
To ensure the Centre remains compliant with all expectations relating to GDPR.
To manage evaluations for the Centre, including professional and parental feedback and report back to OMPP quarterly.
To manage the Centre’s health & safety responsibilities in conjunction with other delegated staff, including oversight of fire regulations.
To be responsible for the general maintenance and decoration of the Centre.
To make an active contribution to the development of the Centre with regards to diversification of services provided.
To oversee the recruitment needs for the Centre and ensure rotas are appropriately staffed and managed.
To manage budgets and achieve occupancy/income targets that are set by the Board of Directors/Executive Team.
To drive through changes and improvements to the Centre performance, project managing changes through, reviewing and ensuring longevity.

Staff Management - Main Responsibilities:

To be responsible for the line supervision and management of the Centre’s Quality Assurance Managers, Senior Family Assessment Workers and the Playroom Leader.
To lead and manage change within your team
To identify training needs within your team
To promote a learning culture within the organisation in which its values are translated into working practices, relationships and levels of service provision.
To promote a quality service in all areas of staff management.
To actively engage with all employees & implement best practice in staff management.
When required, undertake investigations into performance, capability or conduct issues. Provide objective professional reports regarding practice standards and role performance as part of formal capability review processes so that fair, evidence-based decision making can be applied.
To ensure ‘performance management’ is carried out in relation to all grades of staff.
Have a clear and accurate self-assessment of practice, performance and quality, with robust actions built into development plans to ensure that individual and area performance targets are met.
To chair monthly staff meetings and quarterly reviews for the Centre, ensuring all actions are implemented.

Quality Management - Main Responsibilities:

Provide effective leadership to the team, combining professional challenge with strong support, providing clear accountability.
To monitor and evaluate the quality of interventions in order that standards of excellence are maintained.
To help build an environment in which the services provided are of the highest standards.
Contribute to personal supervision meetings and your own continuous professional development.

Title of post to which this job normally reports: Operations Manager

Supervision: Formal supervision will be provided by the Operations Manager. In his/her absence supervision will be provided by the Chief Executive.

Number and type of staff to be supervised:

The number and type of staff to be managed will vary and will be decided in consultation with the Operations Manager, Chief Executive & HR & Finance Manager.

Special Conditions:

If required, the post holder will assist in the ‘on-call’ rota.

The post holder may be required to work some shifts including weekends and Bank holidays, to cope with the fluctuating needs and demands of the Centre.

All staff members are expected to work in a flexible way to cope with the needs, demands and requirements of the organisation. This may mean working from both Centres, (Coventry & Birmingham) and covering shifts.

All staff members are expected to work with families on a residential and community basis.

Dudley Lodge operates a non-smoking policy for staff.

Observance of the Centre’s Equality & Diversity Policy will be required, and to work at all times in accordance with all the Centre’s policies and procedures.

Failure by a member of staff to report actual or suspected physical or sexual abuse of a child by another member of a staff or other person having contact with the child may constitute a disciplinary offence.

How to Apply

If you feel you may be suitable to be our Responsible Registered Manager, please complete an application form, please note we do not accept CV’s. We comply with safer recruitment and Ofsted regulations.

If you would like more information about this role or to discuss anything more, please feel free to email: Recruitment@dudleylodge.co.uk and we will direct you to Rachael White our Operations Manager for a confidential conversation, alternatively you can call the centre on 02476 502800 and ask to speak with Rachael White.

Application Form

Close Date for completed applications should be sent to: Recruitment@dudleylodge.co.uk on or before Wednesday 13th July.

For more details regarding duties and responsibilities please see:

Registered Manager Job Description & Person Specification

Dudley Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain convictions and cautions are 'protected' and so are not subject to disclosure and should not be taken into account. Further information about this can be found on the DBS website or at Nacro. This post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Part Time Project Worker - 1 Year Fixed Contract - Coventry

Job Title: PT Project Worker - 1 year fixed contract, with a review after this

Grade: Scale Point 14 – 28 - £24,397 - £30,050 (pro rata)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Base: Coventry

Our Commitment Statement

Our expectation of all staff is to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and fairness to all. Dudley Lodge strive to provide an inclusive working environment and experience, where employees can bring their best, and authentic self to work. Where difference is recognised, respected, valued, and celebrated.

Our approach to inclusion and diversity is rooted in listening, learning and acting. This includes conducting ongoing listening forums across the company, the implementation of Inclusion & Diversity talking/support groups, workshops and training, good quality supervision, surveys and collaborative working parties. All with the core aim to receive honest feedback, reflect and continuously strive to be the best that we can be.

Purpose of Job

The Project Worker will be responsible for undertaking duties as part of Dudley Lodge’s voluntary community support programme; Hurdle, in accordance with aims and objectives of secured Lottery Community Fund Grant.
To work in partnership with colleagues in the organisation.
To provide a high quality and dependable standard of service which meet our organisations values and standards.

Background

We have been conducting quality Family Assessments for over 30 years and now operate over two sites; Coventry & Birmingham. We undertake residential, community based and day assessments.

Our Vision is that within five years, we will be the preferred provider of a range of independent, high quality ‘Safeguarding Children’ services. These will include: - Family Assessment, Legal Protection, Preventative Services, Risk Assessment, Training & Education and other Specialist Services.

In 2020, we launched a voluntary community support service named ‘Hurdle’ as a sustainable part of our Charity.

Hurdle aims to address the widespread issue of multiple children being taken into the care system by focusing on prevention work. It is a community-led programme to support vulnerable parents who have lost or are at risk of losing their child/ren to the care system.

We work with women and men within a 30-mile radius of Coventry who:

have just completed an assessment at Dudley Lodge or Bonner House,
are expecting a baby and at risk of having their child removed,
have just lost their child to the care system.

Hurdle offers befriending peer and mentoring support, in addition to providing supportive programmes, activities and projects. This includes:

Befriending,
Setting personal goals,
Emotional support,
Parenting preparation,
Grief support,
Counselling/therapy,
Signposting.

Effectiveness Areas:

Support & Guidance to families
Uphold reputation of Dudley Lodge
Meeting aims and objectives of grant funding

Outline of tasks & activities as part of the Project Worker role:

In partnership with parents, complete the Service User working agreement and initial assessment documents in order to identify the desired outcomes of the intervention, and devise actions to achieve these.
Work in partnership with other professionals and attend meetings as required.
Visit beneficiaries in the community (and their homes, COVID dependent)
Provide face-to-face, virtual and telephone support.
Provide befriending/Mentoring:
- Befriending for service-users, including those who have completed an assessment at Dudley Lodge/Bonner House, and externally referred families who have just lost a child to the care system, or are expecting a baby and at risk of their child being removed.
- Provide group work and/or one-to-one work to develop parent’s skills, i.e. cooking, child development/care, CV writing, academic support etc.
- Developing and maintaining life story books for children.
Oversee the volunteer involvement within their caseload (when applicable).
Contribute to fundraising initiatives.
Work with partners to ensure that beneficiaries receive a high-quality support service.
Support the Project Manager in volunteer/service user matching (when applicable).
Identify and develop links with external agencies and make referrals to additional services as required.
Contribute towards a community resource library.
Work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Provide emergency telephone on call support, where required.
Contribute to data tracking and reporting against service and grant funded outcomes
To undertake any other charitable project duties as required, and in accordance with the aims and objectives of grant funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Worker - Main Responsibilities:

To work flexibly to meet the needs of the allocated caseload.
To work with a team ethos, understanding the values and behaviour expectations of Dudley Lodge.
To work with families to achieve the project outcomes and meet project objectives.
To travel to various family home locations, and community locations in a planned and structured manner.
To provide telephone, virtual and face-to-face support.
To provide emergency telephone on-call support if required.
To ensure the safety of the children remains central throughout the intervention. To also promote the health, welfare and safety of all families
Undertake ongoing risk assessments of families, acting decisively to protect children.
To build appropriate professional working relationships, working in partnership with families, ensuring safeguarding remains paramount.
To maintain a consistently high level of observation, recording, interaction, and communication.
To attend and participate in team meetings.
To participate fully in training and supervision, identifying training courses relevant to the role and personal development.
To promote and maintain equal opportunity and anti-oppressive practice within the work environment.
Have an awareness and understanding of the centres policies and procedures as well as relevant government guidelines and legislation paying particular attention to Child Protection Procedures, Equal opportunities, anti-discriminatory & health and safety policies.
Undertake other duties or tasks as identified by management.
To understand and implement Birmingham and Coventry’s Child Protection and Adult Protection policies and procedures as appropriate.

Support and Guidance to Families - Main Responsibilities:

Establish and sustain supportive, non-judgemental relationships with families.
Support parents in developing parenting skills, providing them with guidance and advice which promotes the welfare of the child and remains in their best interests.
Contribute to the promotion of individual’s health & social wellbeing; and assisting the individuals to maintain a positive sense of self & identity.
Demonstrate an ability to work in partnership with the parents.
To support the Project Manager with the information required for the Outcome reports.

Quality of Service Delivery - Main Responsibilities:

To ensure programme is delivered with a mature, yet friendly attitude.
To ensure materials are regularly reviewed for quality of content and shortfalls are reported to the Operations Manager for review.
To ensure that adequate recording systems are maintained and reviewed.
To collect and monitor outcome information and feedback from children, parents and professionals.
To support the Project Manager with the information required for the Outcome reports.

Uphold Reputation of Dudley Lodge - Main Responsibilities:

The post holder will be expected to engage in and undertake with enthusiasm all opportunities for his / her own training and professional development in order to achieve additional skills as the role develops.
The post holder will need a flexible approach to his / her duties, accepting new tasks with enthusiasm.
To actively promote and market the project to exterior stakeholders; by meeting with schools, group leaders and other professionals.
We require employees to show a proactive attitude to developing the quality and efficiency of their own work.
The post holder must take ownership of and reflect our ethos in their behaviour; including high professional standards and effectiveness in working with colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children.

Title of post to which this job normally reports: Project Manager

Supervision: Supervising Officer Job Title - Project Manager

Number and type of staff to be supervised: None.

Place of work: Dudley Lodge minimum 2 days a week, community visits within a 30 mile radius and working from home.

Benefits of working at Dudley Lodge:

Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
Team building days
Employee Assistance Programme – this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
Health Shield - After 1 year’s continuous employment, you can opt for free cover under this Cash Plan policy.
A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
Life Assurance - Group Life Assurance Policy with Canada Life. The scheme provides a tax-free benefit to all permanent employees, paying a lump sum amount of 2 x salary in the event of death in service.
Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
Continuous training and professional development opportunities
Enhanced holidays:
- 22 days plus 8 bank holidays – up to 5 years continuous employment
- 27 days plus 8 bank holidays – at 5 years continuous employment
- 32 days plus 8 bank holidays – at 10 years continuous employment
Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS
Bike (Cycle) Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike (max, £1000 or 50% of monthly contractual salary). The employee cycle loan request form should be completed for validation.
Attendance allowance to reflect 100% attendance throughout the calendar year (up to a maximum of one week’s salary per annum and subject to any required adjustments to the eligibility requirements on a case-by-case basis) to be paid at or around the end of each calendar year.
Long Service Awards: We value our staff and to show recognition we offer long service award

Mileage

Mileage is paid for community visits from Dudley Lodge Coventry unless the community visit is in closer proximity to the employee’s home address, in this instance it would be calculated from there.

Special Conditions

Post holder is required to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays if required.

All staff are expected to work in a flexible way to cope with the needs, demands and requirements of the families.

Dudley Lodge operates a non-smoking policy for staff.

Observance of the Centre’s Equal Opportunities Policy will be required, and to work at all times in accordance with all the Centre’s policies and procedures.

How to Apply

For more details please see: Project Worker Job Description & Person Specification

If you feel you may be suitable to join our friendly team as a Project Worker, please complete an application form, please note we do not accept CV’s. We comply with safer recruitment and Ofsted regulations.

Application Form

Close Date for completed applications should be sent to: Recruitment@dudleylodge.co.uk on or before Wednesday 29th June.

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 6th July.

If you do not hear from us before interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Bank Family Assessment Worker - Coventry & Birmingham

Grade: 1 – 16 (£10.31 - £12.89)
Hours: Zero hours contract – on an ‘as and when’ basis
Location: Coventry and Birmingham

Are you looking for a Change in Career or to gain valuable experience in the field of Social Care/Social Work? Look no further and apply today to join our friendly team at Dudley Lodge! As a Bank Family Assessment Worker, you will be part of a team in a residential setting; working with families on a day-to-day basis providing detailed evidence-based assessment recordings of the parents’ abilities to meet the safety and care/welfare needs of their children in line with the National Assessment Framework.

No experience or qualifications are required as we provide a thorough induction and ongoing training and coaching. We are committed to developing your knowledge base and skills. All new starters without the NVQ Level 3 in childcare, or equivalent, will be financially supported to undertake the qualification. If you do not hold this qualification or equivalent, this is a mandatory requirement for Dudley Lodge. During your probation period our Training Manager will enrol you to this and discuss the criteria. There are great opportunities for career progression at Dudley Lodge.

Benefits of working at Dudley Lodge

Shift patterns that make your commute calmer and quicker.
Training Opportunities
Staff wellbeing events throughout the year.
Team building days
Employee Assistance Programme – this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
Auto-enrolment to a pension scheme with Standard Life if earning £833 or more per month, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff.
Continuous training and professional development opportunities.
Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS

As Family Assessment Worker you will

Shifts available 7.30am -3.00pm, 2.30pm – 10.00pm and night shift: 9:30pm – 7:30am- Staff members who work a night shift will receive a £10 addional allowance for each night worked.
Provide a high quality, dependable service which meet our charity’s values and standards.
Provide appropriate advice and guidance to families in accordance with their work programmes.
Work in partnership with families, colleagues and professionals.
Have a patient, calm and empathetic personality.
Good communication skills, along with the ability to express in written form.

For more details regarding duties and responsibilities please see:

Bank Family Assessment Worker Job Description & Person Specification

If you wish to apply for the Bank Family Assessment Worker position, please download the application form below.

Application Form

Close date: When sufficient applications received.

Dudley Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain convictions and cautions are 'protected' and so are not subject to disclosure and should not be taken into account. Further information about this can be found on the DBS website or at Nacro.
This post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Grade:;
Hours:

Rota Pattern: Following a rolling rota including weekends 7.30am -3.00pm & 2.30pm – 10.00pm
Location: Coventry

Purpose of Job

To work with families on a day-to-day basis, observing and recording the parents’ abilities to meet the immediate safety and care needs of their children. This will be completed through daily observations.
To ensure parents/carers prioritise the safety and welfare needs of their children
To create a supportive learning/re-learning environment for parents and children
To provide childcare for children whilst their parents/carers attend Groups and Individual Sessions
Following training, to take lead responsibility for the playroom groups that will take place, these will include but are not inclusive to Baby Massage, Baby Sensory, Messy Play, and Musical Babies.

Benefits of working at Dudley Lodge:

Shift patterns that make your commute calmer and quicker.
Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
Team building days
Attendance allowance at the end of each year
A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%.
Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
Continuous training and professional development opportunities
Enhanced holidays:
- 22 days plus 8 bank holidays – up to 5 years continuous employment
- 27 days plus 8 bank holidays – up to 10 years continuous employment
- 32 days plus 8 bank holidays – over 10 years continuous employment

As a Family Assessment Worker you will:

Provide a high quality, dependable service which meet our charity’s values and standards
Provide appropriate advice and guidance to families in accordance with their work programmes.
Work in partnership with families, colleagues and professionals
Have a patient, calm and empathetic personality
Demonstrate good communication skills both verbally and in written form
Contribute towards ongoing risk assessments of families, acting decisively to protect children
Promote Dudley Lodge’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults at all times.

For more details regarding duties and responsibilities please see:

Family Assessment Worker Job Description & Person Specification

If you wish to apply for the Family Assessment Worker position, please download the application form below.

Application Form

Close date: Tuesday 28th December 2021

Interviews:

Telephone Interviews – will be held from Wednesday 5th January, during this week.

Following a successful telephone interview, you will be invited in for an individual interview.

If you do not hear from us within two weeks of close date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Dudley Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain convictions and cautions are 'protected' and so are not subject to disclosure and should not be taken into account. Further information about this can be found on the DBS website or at Nacro.
This post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

NACRO Filtering Flowchart

The NACRO DBS vetting process flowchart.