Service Manager - Safeguarding (Adults)

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

A fantastic career development opportunity has arisen in Adult Social Care in Somerset for a Safeguarding Service Manager.

The service manager will provide high quality compassionate leadership and operational management for the Somerset-wide Safeguarding Service.

You’ll ensure that the service is efficient and effective, that the work is undertaken in line with organisational requirements including business and governance processes and that defensible decision making and the principles set out in the statutory guidance are integral to all that the service does.

We are looking for an experienced registered professional and manager with:

• A social worker or occupational therapist qualification registered with Social Work England or HCPC
• 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.
• The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies and contribute to the work of the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board.
• The ability to constructively challenge others and provide direction and guidance, and who actively contributes to and creates safe, open learning cultures where learning is embedded into practice.
• Access to/use of a vehicle.

Thinking and acting creatively, and challenging circumstances and environments that marginalise, exclude, or oppress are central to who you are.

If you have the qualifications, experience, knowledge and personal attributes set out in the job 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 24/05/2025)

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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