Safeguarding and DOLS Team Manager

This exciting and challenging role operates at a strategic and operational level to ensure the council fulfils its statutory duties for safeguarding and DoLS. This specialist role requires in-depth knowledge, skills and experience in the relevant fields in order to provide competent guidance and direction to the team and wider stakeholders.

Acting as a champion for the principles and values of Making Safeguarding Personal and the Mental Capacity Act, the role will provide specialist advice and guidance to staff at all levels within the council and in partner agencies.

You will be responsible for a small team of business administrators, ensuring that the legal requirements for DoLS is implemented effectively through the coordination of Best Interest Assessors, Doctors and signatories. This is achieved through robust management of professional practice, performance and resources.

The role is also responsible for promotion and assurance of high quality and timely safeguarding responses through strategic oversight of safeguarding pathways, training and quality assurance The role also involves active participation in the work of the Southwark Safeguarding Adults Board and leading adult social cares involvement in other multi-disciplinary forums.

The post-holder will report to the Principal Social Worker (PSW) for Adults, and work closely with the PSW in contributing to the wider work relating to the council’s systems, processes, relevant policies and procedures.

About You:

We are looking for a candidate with a social work qualification and current registration. You will have substantial experience and knowledge of social work practice and topical issues. You will bring extensive knowledge of Adult Safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act and experience of leading teams and building an adaptable work place culture. You will have an innovative and energetic candidate committed to implementing a person centred and strength based approach to social work utilising community assets.

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.