Job summaryDo you have a genuine interest in Safeguarding Adults and the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA/DoLS)? Would you like the opportunity to contribute to and influence the local Safeguarding system and agenda? If so, then we have an exciting opportunity for you!
Main duties of the jobWe are looking for an experienced Nurse or Social Worker to join our multi-disciplinary specialist Safeguarding Adults team as a Safeguarding Practitioner. Our expectation is that your experience will include working with a range of adults, e.g. older people, people with dementia, people with physical and/or learning disabilities or mental health problems. The specific role of Safeguarding Adults Team is to respond to allegations of abuse as defined by Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 in line with its accompanying guidance.
About usFocus is an independent Social Enterprise (Community Interest Company) providing Adult Social Work across North East Lincolnshire. We believe that being an independent social work practice provides us with unique opportunities to be more flexible and creative in our approach. This benefits our service users, their families and carers and our staff.
We can offer you the opportunity to genuinely make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community and we can promise you that we will value and use the experience you bring from your professional background. We can also provide you with a 34 hour working week (Monday to Friday) and a generous leave allocation.
Please note, we are not currently in a position to provide sponsorship to those individuals that may require it. Therefore, applicants must have current and unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Job responsibilitiesJOB PURPOSETo provide, in partnership with individuals, their carers and other key professionals, a high quality, person centred, accountable safeguarding adults service which ensures best outcomes for people.
To act as Best Interest Assessor as identified by MCA/DoLS legislation and guidance.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & REPONSIBILITES- To actively and effectively manage a caseload which will include prioritising and co-ordinating own workload; responding to allocations of abuse and making (or causing to be made) safeguarding adults enquiries as appropriate in line with Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 and its accompanying Care and Support Guidance. This will include defensible decision making; managing risk and effective recording.
- To Act in the role of Best interest Assessor as defined by the MCA/DoLS legislation and guidance and to work to meet the standards as developed by the NEL MCA/DoLS panel.
- To lead on arranging strategy meetings and discussions and identifying which partner agencies need to be involved.
- At all times to be mindful of the Mental Capacity Act and to be alert to situations where vulnerable adults may be at risk and to act in accordance with the NEL Safeguarding Adults Policies and Procedures.
- To work collaboratively with the individual, their carer/family and other professionals in order to identify risk, how this may be minimised, and to promote well-being in line with the individuals wishes and feelings as far as possible. This may include offering the support of an advocate or IMCA.
- To consider the potential health and social care need of individuals and their carers and prompt referrals to the relevant agencies as appropriate.
- To work within appropriate timeframes to meet immediate needs and reduce risks in crisis situations and at all times ensure appropriate and proportionate responses or referrals are provided in accordance with legislation, guidance and policies.
- Proactively promote peoples well-being by enabling them to prevent the risk of abuse by providing information, advice and signposting which promotes self-determination, independence, choice and control.
- To work in partnership with other professionals, supporting service users, carers and families to develop person centred support plans incorporating an individuals circle of support, positive risk taking, solution finding where possible through universal services.
- Identify, investigate and manage potential high risk situations where service users/carers safety or liberty may be at risk, making the necessary referrals as appropriate so as to enable them to take risks whilst protecting them from abuse, managing the risks to staff and the organisation; this may include undertaking assessments under the Mental Capacity Act.
- To maintain case records ensuring that all data meets the required levels of accuracy, quality, confidentiality and timeliness.
- To prepare reports for panels, case conferences & court and to attend as required and appropriate.
- To work across triage and enquiries, responding to emergency safeguarding enquiries or other situations which may occur.
- Act as mentor to less experienced staff / students, providing them with support and guidance in terms of professional practice and organisational policies and procedures
- To have an awareness of the performance targets, both national and local and to ensure all activity is aligned with meeting those targets.
- To work to the Department of Health Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England & the Standards set by the Social Work England and/or the NMC as applicable.
- To be an ambassador for focus at all times, representing the organisation positively, professionally and appropriately at meetings with service users, carers, families, other professionals and agencies.
- To support the Advanced Safeguarding Practitioners with the allocation of work, management of resources and capacity planning
- To deputise for the Advanced Practitioners, as required in their absence, in terms of attending meetings and providing leadership to the team.
- To assist with recruitment for staff which may include short listing, question development, interviewing, assessment
- To contribute to the induction of any new recruits
- To assist with and provide support to the ASYE Programme and apprenticeship and other similar work placement or work experience initiatives within focus.
- To contribute to the collation and / or analysis of performance activity and data.
- To contribute to or lead on specific projects or project groups and significant change initiatives.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Relevant Social Work Degree, Nursing Qualification e.g. RN
- Relevant registration with professional body (Social Work England, NMC)
- Substantial post qualifying training undertaken and evidence of CPD
- Best Interest Assessor (or willingness to work towards within first 12 months)
Desirable- Post qualifying management qualification
ExperienceEssential- Minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience
- Experience of working a health and social care setting with vulnerable people
- Experience of working constructively in a multi-disciplinary setting with other professionals
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
