Social Worker - Court of Protection Deprivation of Liberty (DoL)

Are you passionate about providing strength-based social care that transforms the lives adults with learning disabilities?

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with disabilities?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Social Worker to join our Learning Disabilities team, delivering vital services to adults with learning disabilities and other complex needs. This post will be based in the Learning Disability (25+) team within Adult Social Care. You will work with adults aged 18+ who have a Learning Disability and eligible social care needs. Your role will be to complete Court of Protection Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) applications for individuals who meet the threshold.

About the Role:

In this role, you will:

• Undertake strength-based social care assessments in line with the Care Act.
• Undertake complex mental capacity assessments
• Produce reports and documentation for the Court of Protection
• Produce outcome-focused support plans tailored to individual needs.
• Deliver targeted interventions that safeguard and empower adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
• Promote independence, positive outcomes and the effective use of assistive technology to support the least restrictive care possible.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Council departments, NHS Southwark and other key partners.

About You:

You are a qualified and registered Social Worker with Social Work England, with relevant experience in social work practice.

You possess the professional skills and personal attributes to guide families, navigate complex cases and champion the best outcomes for adults.

You have experience of completing mental capacity assessments and have good knowledge and experience of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards work.

You are committed to working in a diverse community, applying a strength-based approach that puts individuals and families at the centre of your practice.

About the Team:

The All Age Disability team (0-25) and the Learning Disability team (25+) sit within Southwark’s All Age Disability pathway which delivers integrated social care services for children and young people with disabilities, from childhood into adolescence, and adults with Learning Disabilities.

Our culture values diversity, collaboration and innovation, ensuring services are modern, efficient and responsive to the needs of the community.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Hannah Taylor-Rowe at hannah.taylor-rowe@southwark.gov.uk

Additional Information:

• x 1 permanent position.
• Hours of work, 36 hours per week Monday - Friday.
• Location:160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH.
• Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, two days working from home.
• At this moment in time, the Department cannot accept overseas candidates requiring sponsorship.

This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced - Adults' and Children's (Barred) level.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 17th May 2026.

Shortlisting date: Tuesday 19th May 2026.

Interview date: Tuesday 26th May 2026.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Attachments

• Job Description and Person Specification - Social Worker - Court of Protection Deprivation of Liberty (DoL)