At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead adult protection and mental health initiatives, ensuring effective service delivery.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to community care and mental health.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, relocation packages, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have social work qualifications and experience in adult care services.
The predicted salary is between 63554 - 63554 £ per year.
37 hours per week, Permanent position £58,384 to £63,554 per annum (inclusive of £2,997 Distant Islands Allowance per annum).
As Lead Officer for Adult Support & Protection and Mental Health, you will set a high standard of adult protection by implementing and maintaining a system for monitoring the performance of adult support and protection services, to ensure that the Comhairle’s statutory duties and functions are effectively discharged.
You will have lead responsibility for the duties delegated by the Chief Social Work Officer, to undertake the professional social work operational lead functions in relation to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2007, the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and any subsequent relevant legislation affecting social work with adults.
As Lead Officer you will provide support to the Adult Protection Committee ensuring that core responsibilities and key objectives are effectively discharged under the direction and leadership of the Chair of the Committee and to report appropriately. You will provide a bridge between the strategic overview of the Adult Protection Committee and front-line operations.
In conjunction with the Service Manager, Assessment and Care Management and Team Leader, you will be responsible for the effective management of statutory duties and provisions under Adult Support and Protection, Adults with incapacity and Mental Health legislation. You will be Lead Officer, Western Isles, in respect of Mental Health services provided by the Social and Community Services Department.
It is essential you have knowledge of community care policy development and legislation, the Adult Support and Protection Act and associated legislation and mental health national policies, guidance and legislation. Experience of adult care service delivery, adult protection / risk management work, multi-agency partnership working is required. You must hold experience of chairing multi-agency case conferences and the management of staff.
You must hold either CQSW / Dip SW / Social Work (or equivalent). In addition, a post qualifying award in Mental Health is also required. A full UK Driving Licence is essential.
This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in respect of regulated work with adults and children. Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of grade with annual incremental progression.
For this post relocation and interview packages are available. It is vital you read the job description and person specification, in your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Closing Date: Monday 3 August 2026
Lead Officer, Adult Support & Protection and Mental Health (4261) - CNS06383 in Stornoway employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Join our dedicated Library Service as a Senior Library Assistant and become a key player in promoting sustainability within our vibrant community. With a focus on environmental awareness and climate action, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, while also benefiting from opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the stunning Outer Hebrides, this role offers a unique chance to engage with local heritage and make a meaningful impact in rural and island communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer, Adult Support & Protection and Mental Health (4261) - CNS06383 in Stornoway
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer, Adult Support & Protection and Mental Health (4261) - CNS06383 in Stornoway
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
