We are looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic social workers to join our adult social care Depravation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) team. 

At Northumberland County Council we are proud of our employees, who are passionate and committed to improving the lives of Adults within Northumberland ensuring they feel safe, healthy, happy and independent. 

This is an opportunity to apply your social work/professional skills, values, and specialist knowledge in the context of working with complex ethical and legislative processes. 

This is an exciting time as our team evolves in response to the upcoming implementation of the Mental Capacity Amendment Act 2019 and Liberty Protection Safeguards. 
 
Under current legislation, Northumberland County Council acts as the supervisory body, overseeing the authorisations of a deprivation of liberty in residential/nursing care home settings and hospitals. 
 
In this role, you will undertake assessments within the scope of the DoLS legal framework and complete all necessary reports. 
 
You'll also promote a wider and better understanding for colleagues, of the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the Liberty Protection Safeguards across health and social care in Northumberland. 
 
Essential requirements: 

-Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) Applicants must hold or be applying for Social Work England registration. 

-Hold a current DoLS Best Interests Assessor qualification 
-Have experience of completing these assessments 
-Have undertaken DoLS/BIA legal update training within the last twelve months. 
It is also essential that you can demonstrate a commitment to non-discriminatory Practice and equal opportunities. You will have experience of working with people with complex mental health and physical needs, the monitoring and reviewing process, direct work with vulnerable individuals, IT skills, excellent communication skills, and dealing with difficult situations. 
We promote a learning culture and provide a supportive and robust CPD programme as well as reflective supervision and peer support. To support you in your role we provide: 
 
-Annual DoLS Legal update training to all our Best Interest Assessors 
-Monthly team meetings 
-Monthly supervision 
-Regular BIA support/CPD sessions 

For an informal discussion about these opportunities, please contact Nita Melvin 07592268202.

For further information please see the job description and person specification attached here.  

We have some outstanding benefits to offer you.

-You will receive a comprehensive induction in to the council and the team

- A starting salary of £33,486 (rising to £37,568) Band 8 

-25 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays (rising to 30 after 5 years of service)(pro-rata for part-time employees)

-Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

-Flexi scheme applicable to majority of roles

-Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands

-A commitment to work-life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, home working, flexible working, part-year working, and compressed hours

-Car Leasing Scheme

Please visit: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/About/Working-for-Northumberland-County-Council.aspx for more information regarding our benefits. 

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.