Location : County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD
This is an exciting secondment opportunity for the right candidates to join the central Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Service as a Team Manager due to the secondment of current post holder and to provide Maternity leave cover.
There are two full time posts available as secondment (Internal Applicants) or a fixed term (External Applicants):
We would also consider applications from Part Time applicants.
6 months maternity cover
12 months secondment cover
The DoLS Service manages Devon County Council’s statutory responsibilities in relation to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. This includes arranging the required professional assessments, dealing with any challenges or complaints as well as managing increasing numbers of legal challenges to The Court of Protection for individuals where there is an objection to any Standard Authorisation.
About the Role:
The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, including workflow and referral management and the line management of staff members. The group of staff will encompass health and social care professionals who are approved Best Interests Assessors as well as the Service Support Manager and team of DoLS Administrators.
The legal implications of decisions made by the post holder can have a significant impact for individuals experiencing a deprivation of liberty, their families/carers as well as the organisation. To this end the post holder is required to engage with the County Solicitor (and other professionals) to ensure that team practice meets current legal requirements – or where this is not clear they are required to help facilitate application(s) to the Court of Protection.
About you:
You must be a registered Social Worker, Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or a Chartered Psychologist and will have: Successfully completed the specialist Best Interests Assessor training and have experience or a desire to develop in a Team Manager role.
You will need to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, current case law in this arena and the interface with other relevant legal frameworks.
You will promote the principles of the Mental Capacity Act by active engagement with other professionals, the voluntary sector, and care providers by offering advice and support and through the development and delivery of training.
You will have excellent communication skills across all mediums (electronic, written, verbal) with an ability to take account of the audience that is receiving the information. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
What we can offer to you:
We are a well-established team offering excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
We are committed to continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. Candidates who have not already completed the Best interests Assessor training will be supposed to do so with an expectation that this specialist qualification is required for the role.
Flexible working arrangements may be considered.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and dynamic team and increase your management skills as well as continuing to develop your applied knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.