Team Manager Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

About Us

Working for West Sussex County Council is all about making a positive difference to the people of West Sussex. This role presents as a great opportunity for you to join the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team. We are a dynamic and supportive team of registered professionals and specialist administrators, dedicated to all aspects of WSCC's responsibilities as a Supervisory Body under the DoLS legislation. We also support Managing Authorities to understand the DoLS process, and receive and prioritise Requests for authorisations.

Why not have a look at our dedicated careers in adults social work webpage to learn more!

About The Job

Salary: £53,350 to £57,005 per annum
Working Pattern: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Worthing office base - county wide hybrid role
Interview Date: w/c 16^th June

As the Team Manager for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs), you will lead a dedicated team overseeing the statutory assessment process for individuals deprived of their liberty in care homes, hospitals, and respite settings across West Sussex. You will ensure that we meet our statutory obligations while supporting internal staff and external providers in making best interest decisions and adopting least restrictive practices.

This role is pivotal in ensuring vulnerable residents are protected and that services meet all legal requirements under the Mental Capacity Act, the Care Act, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. You will coordinate the statutory process and manage a team of Best Interest Assessors (BIAs), providing support, guidance, and training, while maintaining a commitment to delivering a high-quality service.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management: Lead and manage the DoLs Team, ensuring effective service delivery, coordination of assessments, and operational oversight.
• Coordination: Oversee the sourcing and coordination of Section 12 doctors and external Best Interests Assessors to complete parts of the DoLs process.
• Policy Development: Lead the development and implementation of local DoLs policies and practices, ensuring they align with legal requirements and offer a high-quality service.
• Statutory Compliance: Ensure all referrals and assessments are conducted within the statutory framework, meeting all Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard requirements.
• Budget Management: Lead the team to work within the DoLs budget to achieve best value for money and optimal use of resources.
• Training & Development: Plan, deliver, and manage training for the DoLs team and other internal staff to ensure compliance with statutory training and registration requirements.
• Statistical Reporting: Develop and maintain administrative systems to gather and interpret data in line with Department of Health requirements, contributing to operational procedure development.
• Partnership Working: Work with commissioning teams to ensure suitable arrangements for the IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) and the Relevant Persons Representative services across the region.

Experience and Skills

Please cover the following with examples within your application as these are the short listing criteria):

Key Skills:
1. Ability to provide guidance and support to internal and external assessors on
the DoLs process
2. Ability to coordinate BIA assessors to ensure capacity to undertake
assessments.
3. Ability to write reports for Committee, Cabinet, Safeguarding Adult Board or Court.
4. Strong management and supervisory skills.
5. Ability to negotiate and manage budgets.

Qualifications and/or experience:
* Degree in Social Work.
* Best Interests Assessor qualification.
* Current SWE registration.
* Substantial experience in Adult Social Care or Healthcare setting.
* Authoritative knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the Mental
Capacity Act, including technical theories and related principles.
* Management and supervisory experience.

Rewards and Benefits

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.

For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.

Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!