About this role
Job summary
The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Mental Capacity Act Team Manager will lead Slough Borough Councils delivery of its statutory responsibilities under the MCA and DoLs. The role manages the DoLS team, provides specialist advice on complex cases, oversees authorisations, quality assurance and service performance, and works with partners to promote lawful, consistent and person-centred practice.
Main duties of the job
Lead the local authority on policy, procedural and practice issues relating to MCA in general and DOLs in particular. Possess specialist expertise in MCA and DOLs policy, practice and legalisation and case law and provide expert advice and support to senior managers and frontline staff across Adults Social Care ASC. Develop procedures and staff guidance to support robust and consistent decision making and innovative practice within ASC regarding MCA. Develop and maintain effective data management processes and efficiencies within the service regarding DOLs. Develop and implement a robust quality assurance framework, including auditing in relation to MCA. Develop and implement a process for quality assuring assessments received from external suppliers. Ensure detailed advice is provided to adults, or their representatives, external providers on the DOLs procedures. Represent Slough Borough Council on internal panels and working groups relating to MCA and DOLs also local, regional and national networks.
About us
As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment. Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.
You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.
Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.
Job description Job responsibilities
Provide effective day to day management, supervision, direction and guidance on all relevant matters to members of the DOLs team; ensuring that tasks and actions are planned and prioritised, ensuring access for DOLS sufficiently staffed.
Ensure effective arrangements are in place for receiving and responding to requests for DOLS authorisations from Managing Authorities within the statutory framework and timescales and that an appropriate and timely response is made in relation to the notification of any adult safeguarding matters. Provide expert, case specific and general advice to frontline staff and managers regarding best practice and national and local developments relating to MCA and DOLs and in particular the management of high risk, legally complex or contentious situations. Respond to complex queries, complaints and FOIs within timescales. To be the Lead Officer for the Slough Borough Councils Supervisory Body functions and responsibilities under DOLs, including undertaking DOLs authorisations. Responsible for governance of the DOLs systems and processes, (including stakeholder management, change control, risk and issue management, resource management) ensuring that corporate requirements are me. Review the development and capacity of the Local Authority Best Interest Assessors BIAs and Supervisory Signatory role within ASC workforce. Maintain oversight of the functioning of the contracts relating to the provision of DOLs Mental Health Assessors, BIAs, Independent Mental Capacity Advocate IMCA and Relevant Persons Representative RPR as well as maintain overview and capacity and performance of provision of RPR for out of area placements. Instruct and work closely with Legal services in the progressing and continual monitoring of SBCs response to legal challenges under Section 21 of the Mental Capacity Act.
Work alongside commissioning colleagues to gain assurance of compliance with MCA /DOLS from commissioned services. Engage with the public and community and voluntary services to promote the application of MCA. Design and Implements arrangements for routine and ad hoc monitoring and auditing of the quality of Mental Capacity Act assessments, best interests assessments, best interests decisions, the scrutiny and sign off DOLS authorisations and of outcomes for residents. Work with the Managing Authorities to ensure that they understand the process to request authorisation of deprivation of liberty and the circumstances in which to do so, ensuring that decisions are communicated in a timely way and within statutory time limits. Provide reports to Senior Managers as required; on DOLs activity and related trends and issues.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of supervising and managing the work and performance of others. Experience of report writing, including analysis of data. Experience of managing complex case work in relation to mental capacity. Experience at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other professionals and agencies.
Desirable
Experience in project management.
Qualifications Essential
Educated to Degree level. Professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Chartered Psychologist. Professional Registration with Social Work England (SWE) /National Midwifery Council (NWC) / Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) / British Psychological Society (BPS) Best Interest Assessor (BIA) qualification. Full UK Driving Licence. Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.
Skills and abilities Essential
At least 2 years at Operational Management level familiar with methods, techniques and tools for planning, organising, resourcing, directing, coordinating and monitoring ongoing activities. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a range of multiagency partners, peers, senior managers and people in the community. Ability to produce reports including analysis of trends and themes. Excellent IT skills and ability to use a variety of IT devices, systems, and databases.
Knowledge and understanding Essential
Comprehensive knowledge of relevant policy and procedures in relation to MCA and DOLs including updates in case law and legalisation. Awareness of and working within a national legalisation, corporate and directorate policies and procedures. Full awareness of GDPR in data management together with data protection and confidentiality. Knowledge of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Slough Borough Council
Address Slough Borough Council
Observatory house
25 Windsor Road, Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2EL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.slough.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)