Service Manager Mental Capacity Act and DoLS (Adults)

• The role is Somerset-wide with opportunities for hybrid working
• 33 of days annual leave
• Continual professional development & opportunity to be part of employee development
• Great opportunity for an experienced practitioner looking for career advancement

An opportunity has arisen in Adult Social Care in Somerset for a Mental Capacity Act and DoLS Service Manager.

You will provide high quality professional leadership in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Central to the role is oversight and management of the DoLS system and DoLS Team across Somerset alongside co-ordination of the interface between Adult Social Care and the Somerset Council legal team in respect of the Court of Protection and Community DoLS. You will also have oversight of Mental Capacity Act training for Adult Social Care and a key quality assurance role for practice.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a Best Interest Assessor qualification:

• Who has a social worker or occupational therapist qualification registered with Social Work England or HCPC.
• Who promotes human rights, social justice, people’s rights to autonomy and self-determination, and can support, constructively challenge and provide guidance to others.
• Who actively contributes to and creates a safe, open learning culture.
• Who has a high level of legal literacy; the ability to apply relevant legislation in practice alongside professional priorities and principles of ethical practice while adhering to the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities, and
• With the ability to communicate complex information in a way that is accessible.
• Who has access to/use of a vehicle.

You will be a credible and compassionate professional leader who builds relationships, thinks, and acts creatively. Challenging circumstances and environments that marginalise, exclude, or oppress is central to who you are.  

If you have the qualifications, knowledge, experience and skills set out in the role description, learning and development opportunities are available if needed, to support you to fully develop into the role.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• This grade offers 33 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Cycle to work scheme

This is a Grade 8 role with a salary of £47,754 per annum.

Closing date: Sunday, 2nd March 2025

Please email Carolyn Smith, Principal Social Worker/Strategic Manager Safeguarding and DoLS to arrange an informal conversation if you would like to find out more - carolyn.smith@somerset.gov.uk (ideally before 13/02/2025 or after 24/02/2025)

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to Social Work Sessions podcast: Social Work Sessions

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!

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