Social Worker - Community Dols Team

Hillingdon Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Hillingdon Sports & Leisure

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Travel Support

Trade Union Membership

Job summary

Hillingdon Council is recruiting a Social Worker for the Community DoLS Team to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of adults who may lack capacity. You will manage caseloads with autonomy while providing expert advice to partners and preparing Court of Protection reports.

The role focuses on assessments under the Mental Capacity Act, collaboration with multi-agency teams, and professional development within a supportive borough service.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in assessment and care management for adults with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities.
• A commitment to safeguarding, person-centred practice, and upholding professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage a social work caseload with a high level of autonomy.
• Provide expert professional and technical advice to colleagues, managers, and partner agencies.
• Apply a range of assessment and intervention frameworks effectively.
• Prepare high-quality reports for the Court of Protection.
• Promote reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Support and mentor colleagues, promoting professionalism and effective caseload management.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners to enhance service delivery.

Skills

Communication skills

Caseload management

Professional judgement

Education

Social Work qualification

ASYE completion

Job description

About the role

Are you a dedicated Social Worker looking to make a real difference? Join Hillingdon Council's Community DoLS Team and play a vital role in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of adults in our community.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work in a specialist service where your expertise will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of people who may lack the capacity to consent to their care and treatment.

About the Service

The Community DoLS Team ensures that individuals are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty and that their rights are fully protected under the Mental Capacity Act.

The service works with adults aged 18 and over, supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents through robust assessments, high-quality decision-making, and effective partnership working.

Our Aims

• To safeguard the rights of individuals who are deprived of their liberty
• To ensure Community DoLS applications are completed for all service users who require them
• To promote lawful, proportionate, and least restrictive care arrangements

What You'll Do

• Manage a social work caseload with a high level of autonomy
• Provide expert professional and technical advice to colleagues, managers, and partner agencies
• Apply a range of assessment and intervention frameworks effectively
• Prepare high-quality reports for the Court of Protection
• Promote reflective practice and continuous professional development
• Support and mentor colleagues, promoting professionalism and effective caseload management
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners to enhance service delivery

What You'll Need

• A recognised Social Work qualification
• Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• Experience in assessment and care management for adults with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A commitment to safeguarding, person-centred practice, and upholding professional standards

Why Join Hillingdon Council?

At Hillingdon, we value our staff and are committed to supporting your development in a forward-thinking, supportive environment. You'll be part of a knowledgeable and dedicated team where your skills, judgement, and contributions are valued.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Employee benefits

• Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership - The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees' freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis.

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

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Pre-employment screening

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early.