Adult Protection Lead Officer in Spennymoor

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Adult Protection Lead Officer, working within Safeguarding and Access services, who will continue to develop and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating safeguarding enquiries.

We are looking to fill both a permanent post and a temporary post available for 12 months.

What is involved?

As an Adult Protection Lead Officer, you will coordinate adult protection cases, assessing referrals to determine the appropriate level of intervention. You will chair strategy meetings, coordinate investigations, and oversee safeguarding actions to protect adults at risk of harm.

Working closely with partner agencies, you will investigate safeguarding concerns and ensure effective measures are implemented to support and protect vulnerable adults. Reporting to the Strategic Manager for Safeguarding and Access Services, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality safeguarding practice and promoting positive outcomes.

We encourage you to contact David Hassall, Safeguarding and Access Operations Manager via email at david.hassall@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

What will I need?

The post holder will be expected to have an excellent understanding of current systems and legal frameworks relating to Safeguarding Adults and will be required to be proactive in increasing and sharing their knowledge and understanding within the context of fulfilling their duties and responsibilities

Required Qualifications:

• DipSW or recognised equivalent Social Work Qualification or equivalent in health care i.e. nursing/OT.
• Social Work England or other relevant registration

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding:

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

Interviews

Interviews will be held in week commencing 31st August 2026

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

Our offer to you

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

• attractive salaries
• generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service)
• membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.