Inquiry Officer - Adults' Safeguarding

Connect2Socialwork are looking for Inquiry Officers to join their Adults Safeguarding service for Kent County Council

Purpose of the Job:

Be individually accountable in the role of Inquiry Officer in accordance with the Kent & Medway policies and procedures; to progress Safeguarding enquiries and action plans. Carry out enquiries under the close supervision and direction of Designated Senior Officers and other senior staff.

Ensure that proportionate assessment and enquiry is undertaken to identify safeguarding action required for adults, and ensure an appropriate and effective level of resource allocation is made to help people be safeguarded.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Carry out proportionate and holistic investigations and assessments, working with and supporting the adult at risk, engaging with specialist professionals as necessary. Identify needs and actions/outcomes which will inform the appropriate level of response to help the person be safeguarded (including other individuals and members of the public), optimise their independence and meet their support needs.

2. Understand and apply the relevant legislation and policy when undertaking safeguarding enquiries and proportionate person-centred assessments (including where appropriate self-assessments and carer assessments).

3. Be the Inquiry Officer allocated to specific Safeguarding concerns and enquiries which require registered practitioner capability within the parameters of the Directorate's agreed policies and procedures. Pro-actively work towards the timely resolution and closure of safeguarding enquiries in line with agreed timescales and team performance frameworks.

4. Identify and process any safeguarding and 'quality of care' issues linking closely with the Quality Improvement team to ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect and promote people's welfare. Refer appropriate issues to the relevant agencies (e.g. CQC; NHS) and internal teams in a timely manner to ensure that the quality and standard of services provided are at agreed levels.

5. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with health professionals, private providers and voluntary sector and local referral management services to ensure the smooth transition of clients through the system. Develop effective working relationships with adult social care colleagues in other teams and functions of adult social care ; to support efficient and timely inter-team working.

6. Work within agreed operational safeguarding systems and processes to ensure that the requirements of the people we support are consistently met and are Care Act compliant. Ensure that the promotion of advocacy support and 'Making Safeguarding Personal' (MSP) are included within the delivery of safeguarding activity.

7. Communicate effectively with the people we support and families on a range of issues. Provide appropriate intervention in difficult and complex personal and family relationships. Promote independence through the provision of information, services and equipment to manage risk. Ensure that safeguarding activity conducted promotes safety, independence and well-being.

8. In one's own practice assess individuals' mental capacity and evaluate risk. Attend and present cases at Risk Management panels supported by a Senior Practitioner/Supervisor. Assess and evaluate the person we are supporting's circumstances (including family and carer arrangements) with the involvement of relevant parties to inform the appropriate safeguarding (or other) intervention

9. Create and maintain accurate, up to date and reliable data, information and records in line with information governance framework requirements, standards and best practice to ensure compliance with legislation.

10. Participate in the triaging of new concerns to ensure that risk is assessed and evaluated in a timely manner in accordance with the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board Policy and Protocols and operational guidance.

11. Maintain own professional development through supervision and appropriate training and by keeping up to date with changes in policy and legislation.

12. Support senior managers when responding to emergency planning issues and ensuring there are business continuity arrangements in place at all times.