Safeguarding Adults Officer

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are pleased to offer a full time permanent opportunity for a Safeguarding Adults Officer. The post is open to registered health or social care professionals with experience of safeguarding adults work.

We also welcome applications from newly qualified social workers, commencing at level 7 progressing to level 8 on completion of ASYE.

You will work in a supportive team that leads the local authority response to safeguarding adults concerns. The successful applicant will, under the supervision of the safeguarding adults manager and senior safeguarding adults officers, coordinate the local authority response to safeguarding adults concerns through making S.42(1) decisions and undertaking S.42(2) safeguarding adults enquiries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the adult at risk remains central to any safeguarding response
• Assess and manage risk including complex situations
• Make decisions according to he relevant legislation (The Care Act 2014)
• Work in partnership with multiple agencies
• Undertake work in the community with adults at risk and also with health and social care providers in the context of organisational abuse

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about safeguarding and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

1. Relevant professional qualification in Health or Social Care e.g. Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing.
2. Must be registered with the relevant professional body
3. Experience of interagency and multi-disciplinary working
4. Experience of working with a range of statutory, independent and voluntary sector providers i.e. Police, CQC, care homes etc
5. Experience in practical application of the mental capacity act and deprivation of liberty safeguards.
6. An ability to adapt to unexpected problems and situations and make decisions in complex situations sometimes because of uncertain information.
7. Knowledge of The Care Act and associated statutory guidance in relation to safeguarding adults

Desirable Criteria:

1. Experience of S.42(1) decision making and coordinating S.42(2) enquiries as a local authority function or as caused to do so.

2. Ability to contribute to the development of policy and practice.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact James WrightSafeguarding Adults Manager, at james.wright@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07917228408.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: TBC

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.