At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Company: Kent County Council, a leader in Adult Social Care services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £750 per day and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on transformation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding vulnerable adults across Kent.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in Adult Safeguarding and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 44236 - 54066 £ per year.
Assistant Director - Adult Safeguarding & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
Interim Opportunity | Kent County Council
Location: Kent (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Temporary / Interim
Rate: Up to £750 per day
We are currently recruiting for an experienced and visionary Assistant Director of Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) on an interim basis. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the country's largest and most ambitious Adult Social Care services and play a key role in shaping the future of safeguarding practice across Kent.
Serving more than 34,000 residents, Kent County Council continues to drive innovation, transformation and excellence through its Adult Social Care Strategy, delivering better outcomes for vulnerable adults and communities across the county. This senior leadership role will place you at the heart of that journey.
The Opportunity
As a member of the Adult Social Care and Health Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership for Adult Safeguarding and DoLS services, ensuring the council continues to deliver safe, effective, legally compliant and person-centred services.
You will lead the development and delivery of safeguarding strategy, influence system-wide improvement, and work collaboratively with health, voluntary sector and local authority partners to strengthen outcomes for Kent residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for Adult Safeguarding and DoLS services.
- Lead the council's approach to safeguarding adults at risk, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
- Act as the Directorate lead for Mental Capacity Act and DoLS compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement through quality assurance, performance intelligence and service innovation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with partner agencies across health, social care and the voluntary sector.
- Influence strategic decision-making and contribute to the wider transformation agenda within Adult Social Care.
- Promote excellent professional practice and a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.
About You
We are seeking an inspirational senior leader with significant experience operating at a senior level.
Assistant Director | Adult Social Care | Safeguarding | DOLs employer: Connect2Kent
At Connect2Kent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of our Social Workers. Located in Ashford, our team benefits from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong commitment to safeguarding children and families, making it a fulfilling place to advance your career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director | Adult Social Care | Safeguarding | DOLs
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Connect2Kent, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director | Adult Social Care | Safeguarding | DOLs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Connect2Kent. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Connect2Kent. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Connect2Kent.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Assistant Director | Adult Social Care | Safeguarding | DOLs role at Connect2Kent, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Connect2Kent that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
