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Lead Officer, Adult Support & Protection and Mental Health
37 hours per week, Permanent position
£56,512 to £61,509 per annum (inclusive of £2,997 Distant Islands Allowance per annum)
Closing Date: Monday 23 March 2026
Role Overview
As Lead Officer for Adult Support and Protection and Mental Health, you will set a high standard of adult protection by implementing and maintaining a system for monitoring the performance of adult support and protection services, ensuring that the council’s statutory duties and functions are effectively discharged.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead responsibility for the duties delegated by the Chief Social Work Officer, undertake professional social work operational lead functions in relation to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2007, Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and any subsequent relevant legislation.
* Provide support to the Adult Protection Committee, ensuring core responsibilities and key objectives are discharged under the chair’s leadership.
* Act as a bridge between the strategic overview of the Adult Protection Committee and front‑line operations.
* In conjunction with the Service Manager, Assessment and Care Management and Team Leader, effectively manage statutory duties and provisions under Adult Support and Protection, Adults with incapacity and Mental Health legislation.
* Act as Lead Officer, Western Isles, in respect of Mental Health services provided by the Social and Community Services Department.
* Support multi‑agency partnership working, chair multi‑agency case conferences, and manage staff.
Requirements
* Knowledge of community care policy development and legislation, the Adult Support and Protection Act, associated legislation, and mental health national policies, guidance and legislation.
* Experience of adult care service delivery, adult protection / risk management work, and multi‑agency partnership working.
* Experience chairing multi‑agency case conferences and staff management.
* Qualified with CQSW, Dip SW, Social Work or equivalent. Please follow Regulated Professions Register | Social Worker (regulated-professions.service.gov.uk).
* Post‑qualifying award in Mental Health is required. See Mental health officers – Scottish Social Services Council (sssc.uk.com).
* Full UK Driving Licence.
* Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for regulated work with adults and children.
Salary and Benefits
Salary inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment will begin at the first point of grade with annual incremental progression. Relocation and interview packages are available. The post is within the Distant Islands Allowance scheme.
Application Procedure
Applicants must read the job description and person specification and answer how they meet each essential criterion in their experience statement. Interviews will be conducted in person.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. The council is an equal opportunities employer.
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