Jobs

We are looking for two motivated and enthusiastic candidates to join us as Adult Protection Lead Officer’s working within the Safeguarding Team, which includes the practice improvement team.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Adult Protection is a key team within the Safeguarding and Access service which continue to develop and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating safeguarding enquiries.

An Adult Protection Lead Officer coordinates adult protection cases. This involves determining the level and scope of intervention following the receipt of Adult Protection referrals. The lead officer takes responsibility for chairing strategy meetings and subsequently for co-ordinating any investigative actions.
 
Ultimately accountable to the Strategic Manager for Safeguarding and Access services, these posts primarily carry out operational adult protection work and work closely with inter-agency colleagues to investigate adult protection concerns and to ensure as far as possible that measures are put in place to protect vulnerable adults who are at risk of abuse.
 
We encourage you to contact David Hassall, Safeguarding and Access Operations Manager via email at david.hassall@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  

WHAT WILL I NEED?
The post holder will be expected to have an excellent understanding of current systems and legal frameworks relating to Safeguarding Adults and will be required to be proactive in increasing and sharing their knowledge and understanding within the context of fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.
 
Required Qualifications:

• DipSW or recognised equivalent Social Work Qualification or equivalent in health care i.e. nursing/OT.
• Social Work England or other relevant registration

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. 
  
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. 

HOW TO APPLY 
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.   

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge.  Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.  

PLEASE NOTE THIS POST IS NOT OPEN TO JOB SHARE
 

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on W/C 9th March 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY 
We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent.
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk.
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Officer