At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and ensure high-quality care for adults in the community.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services and reducing inequalities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse workforce committed to inclusion and community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Adult Safeguarding, MCA, and DoLS.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Directorate: Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning
Section: Adult Social Care
Location: Civic Centre
Grade: Level 14
Salary: £51,356 - £54,495 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract type: Fixed Term until March 2029
This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us:
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.
The Role:
Are you an experienced safeguarding professional looking to make a real difference? We are seeking a confident leader to oversee Adult Safeguarding, MCA, DoLS, provider safeguarding and quality assurance activity. You will lead on complex safeguarding concerns, provider quality issues and Large Scale Enquiries (LSEs), working closely with social care, health, police, CQC and care providers. You will support good practice, identify learning, provide professional guidance and help ensure adults receive safe, high quality care and support.
We're looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in Adult Safeguarding, MCA and DoLS.
- Experience of provider safeguarding and quality concerns.
- Strong leadership and decision making skills.
- Excellent partnership-working and communication skills.
In return, you'll join a supportive team, benefit from flexible working and have the opportunity to influence practice and improve outcomes for local people.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Adult Safeguarding, MCA and DoLS Team, ensuring high quality and timely service delivery.
- Provide expert advice, guidance and oversight on complex safeguarding, MCA and DoLS matters.
- Oversee safeguarding concerns within commissioned services, including provider quality concerns and organisational abuse enquiries.
- Lead and coordinate Large Scale Enquiries (LSEs), ensuring robust safeguarding responses and multi-agency working.
- Monitor performance, quality and outcomes, identifying learning and driving continuous improvement.
- Develop and support staff through supervision, quality assurance and workforce development initiatives.
About You:
- Qualified Social Worker (or equivalent professional qualification) with substantial experience in Adult Safeguarding, MCA and DoLS.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and best practice, including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Experience of managing complex safeguarding enquiries, provider concerns and quality issues within commissioned services.
- Proven leadership and management skills, with experience of supporting, supervising and developing staff.
- Able to analyse risk, performance and quality information to support decision making, service improvement and positive outcomes for adults with care and support needs.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.
Pre-Employment Checks:
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health Clearance.
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role).
The Council will not accept any speculative CVs from employment agencies. No agency terms and conditions accompanying any such CVs will be accepted by the Council. Any unsolicited information sent by an employment agency will be treated as the property of the Council.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don't meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Professional Lead for Safeguarding, MCA & DoL’s in Stoke-on-Trent employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Lead for Safeguarding, MCA & DoL’s in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Professional Lead for Safeguarding, MCA & DoL’s in Stoke-on-Trent
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
