Safeguarding, DoLS & Mental Health Co-ordinator - York

Brainkind is a charity that aims to improve the lives of people with brain injuries in the UK. Our assessment centres, rehabilitation units and hospitals use expert neurorehabilitation to support people to regain the skills they have lost. We treat people with a range of brain injuries sustained through trauma, illness, substance abuse and more – to recover and meet their personal goals. Our employees are incredibly enthusiastic about the jobs they do – you will find a dedicated team spirit across our services and amazing colleagues who always pull together and look out for each other.

MAIN PURPOSE

The Safeguarding, DoLS and Mental Health Co‑ordinator will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, with responsibility for co‑ordinating through partnership working with onsite clinicians, nurses and operational colleagues safeguarding referrals, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications and reviews and supporting Mental Health Act requirements where individuals are detained under the Act. The post holder will ensure a high standard of practice, with a strong emphasis on quality, accuracy, and compliance with statutory and organisational requirements. This includes timely external reporting to relevant authorities and rigorous adherence to internal and statutory timescales. This role will support the hospital meets its statutory responsibilities around safeguarding, DoLS and the mental health act, fostering strong multi-agency partnerships to improve all outcomes.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the central point of coordination for safeguarding concerns, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications and reviews and Mental Health Act (MHA) processes, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinate safeguarding referrals, ensuring concerns are identified, escalated, recorded, and reported appropriately, in line with local safeguarding procedures and statutory guidance.
• Manage and oversee DoLS applications, renewals, conditions, and reviews, ensuring assessments are requested, monitored, and progressed within statutory timescales.
• Support and coordinate Mental Health Act requirements for individuals detained under the Act, including liaison regarding sections, renewals, rights information, documentation, and associated safeguards.
• Work in partnership with onsite clinicians, nurses, and operational colleagues to ensure safeguarding, DoLS and MHA responsibilities are embedded into clinical and operational practice.
• Maintain effective working relationships with external agencies, including Local Authorities, safeguarding adults’ boards, mental health services, supervisory bodies, and advocacy services.
• Ensure timely and accurate external reporting to statutory authorities, with robust monitoring of internal and external timescales and escalation of risks or delays where required.
• Maintain high-quality, accurate and contemporaneous records and documentation, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and organisational standards.
• Provide advice, guidance, and support to colleagues on safeguarding, DoLS and MHA processes to promote understanding, confidence, and best practice.
• Contribute to audits, quality reviews and service improvement initiatives relating to safeguarding, DoLS and Mental Health Act compliance.
• Identify themes, trends and learning from safeguarding and statutory processes, supporting continuous improvement and risk reduction.
• Support the hospital in meeting its statutory, regulatory and governance responsibilities, including readiness for inspection and assurance processes.
• Foster strong multi‑agency and partnership working to improve outcomes, protect individuals’ rights and promote safe, lawful, and person‑centred care.
• Attend meetings with associate Hospital Managers as directed to update on patients.

About you

• Qualified to GCSE level or relevant equivalent. 4 or more GCSE’s or equivalent.
• Recognised safeguarding training at Level 4 or above or willingness to successfully complete within 12 months of commencing in role.
• Evidence of continued professional development in safeguarding and or mental health act related fields.
• Understanding of safeguarding, DoLs and mental health act legislation, statutory responsibilities, and best practice.
• A knowledge of brain injury and mental health.
• Ability to provide advice on mental health act, DoLs, safeguarding and patient safety to senior leadership.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with families, professionals, and external agencies.
• Experience in safeguarding adults, mental health act, and other social care legislation, ideally within a healthcare or hospital setting.
• Committed to promoting the rights and wellbeing of adults at risk.
• Experience in ensuring a culture of openness, sensitivity, and professionalism.

REWARDS:

• Competitive Salary of £25,731 - £31,500 DOE.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) (pro rata).
• Buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Excellent training and support.
• Group life assurance.
• Eye voucher scheme.
• Free parking.
• Company Pension.
• Long service and Staff Awards.

We also put a big focus on employee wellbeing and support. It matters to us that you feel at your best. Career development is a priority. We will ensure you get the training and learning opportunities you need to achieve your goals.

To join our friendly team, click the Apply Now button.

Please note we will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the role is filled therefore, we recommend applying as soon as possible.

All successful candidates are subject to compliance checks including 3 years of checkable references and DBS/PVG checks.

Brainkind are a Disability Confident Employer. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Brainkind is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive organisation. It is a place where we recognise, celebrate, and live our values which includes offering a range of inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support employees from all backgrounds.