3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To operate as an Advanced Social Work Professional undertaking the role of Investigating Manager within Adult Protection. The post holder will provide expert leadership, oversight and management of safeguarding adults at risk, including complex Section 42 enquiries, and will operate at the interface of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Mental Health Act (MHA).
The role requires the use of advanced professional judgement to triage referrals, determine thresholds for statutory intervention, agree proportionate action plans and ensure the effective and timely conclusion of safeguarding investigations. The post holder will play a key role in promoting Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) across Wiltshire and will contribute to service development, practice standards and service quality.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as a specialist in Safeguarding Adults and Adult Protection, providing advice, guidance, and oversight.
* Manage Section 42 enquiries from referral to conclusion, including setting actions, monitoring progress, quality-assuring minutes, and closing investigations.
* Undertake complex investigations personally (e.g., care homes, hospital wards) as Investigating Officer.
* Provide independent specialist advice to staff, managers, and partner agencies on safeguarding practice, policy, and legislation.
* Apply expert knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and Mental Health Act in decision-making.
* Promote and embed Making Safeguarding Personal principles in practice.
* Support the development of team members’ skills and practice through coaching, mentoring, and training facilitation.
* Contribute to service development and quality assurance, ensuring high standards and effective safeguarding outcomes.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, health, police, housing, care providers, and multi-agency safeguarding boards.
* Represent the service in meetings, audits, and learning reviews to improve safeguarding outcomes.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy, and best practice trends in Adult Protection.
* Share learning, contribute to training, and model specialist skills to colleagues.
Requirements
* Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
* Significant post-qualifying experience in Adult Social Care and safeguarding adults.
* Advanced knowledge of Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and Mental Health Act.
* Experience managing complex safeguarding investigations and multi-agency work.
* Understanding of risk assessment, threshold decision-making, and legal/ethical frameworks in adult protection.
* Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and consultancy skills.
* Ability to provide authoritative guidance, challenge effectively, and support staff development.
* Skilled in prioritising workloads, managing competing demands, and leading investigations to timely conclusion.
* Commitment to safeguarding adults at risk, promoting autonomy, dignity, and wellbeing.
* Professional integrity, resilience, and accountability.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice.
* Championing high standards of social work and continuous improvement.