At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and influence MCA and DoLS practice across North East Lincolnshire's health and social care system.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on safeguarding vulnerable adults.
- Benefits: Opportunity to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference in adult social care.
- Other info: Exciting role during significant legal and policy changes with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape strategic developments while championing human rights and person-centred care.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Adult Social Care, MCA, DoLS, and a relevant professional qualification.
The predicted salary is between 37052 - 45286 £ per year.
Are you an experienced social work leader with significant expertise in the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Safeguarding adults? We are seeking an exceptional professional to join us in a newly created role, providing strategic and operational leadership across North East Lincolnshire. This is a unique opportunity to influence system-wide practice, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that the rights, freedoms and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable residents remain at the centre of everything we do.
As the lead professional for MCA and DoLS across the area, you will work closely with Adult Social Care, health partners, providers, legal services and the Safeguarding Adults Board to ensure high-quality, legally compliant and person-centred practice. You will also play a key role in the development, implementation and co-ordination of North East Lincolnshire’s system wide response to the supreme court ruling regarding deprivation of liberty safeguards.
About You
We are looking for a strong and credible leader who combines strategic vision with expert professional knowledge. You will have significant experience in Adult Social Care and Safeguarding, with experience of MCA and DoLS practice, and Court of Protection work. You will have either a Social Work qualification, or a nursing qualification and be registered with Social Work England or NMC and hold a Best Interests Assessor qualification.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most important specialist functions within Adult Social Care at a time of significant legal and policy change. You will have the chance to:
- Shape MCA and DoLS practice across an entire health and social care system.
- Lead and influence strategic developments in safeguarding and adult social care.
- Drive innovation, learning and workforce development.
- Work alongside committed partners who share a passion for improving outcomes.
- Make a meaningful difference by championing the rights and freedoms of adults at risk.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced and passionate leader looking to influence practice at a strategic level while championing the principles of human rights, choice and person-centred care, we would love to hear from you.
For further information about this post, please contact: Rebecca Ardis, Head of Safeguarding, Tel: 0300 330 2815; People Services Team, Tel: 0300 330 2830.
We look forward to hearing from you!
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 2 September 2026
INTERVIEW DATE: Friday 11 September 2026
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CV's.
Lead Officer - Mental Capacity Act (MCA) & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) employer: Focus Careers
Join us in North East Lincolnshire as a Lead Officer for the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable adults. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. By influencing system-wide practices and working alongside passionate partners, you will make a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer - Mental Capacity Act (MCA) & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
✨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 Focus Careers.
✨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 Focus Careers!
✨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 Focus Careers, 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 Focus Careers 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 - Mental Capacity Act (MCA) & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
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 Focus Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Focus Careers! 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 Focus Careers
✨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.
