ASW - Senior Practitioner
London Borough of Islington
Role
Job description Job title Senior Practitioner Grade: Grade (PO4) Reports to: Team Manager Direct reports: (Multi-disciplinary staff across health and social care) Your team: Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership (ILDP) Service area: Adult Social Care Service Directorate: People’s Directorate
Special requirements of the post (delete as applicable) Workstyle: Frontline (a combination of Hybrid working and office presence, minimum 2 days a week in the office) This post requires a DBS check at the appropriate level (Enhanced with Barring/Enhanced) This is a safety critical post and will be subject to the council’s drug and alcohol policy This post is subject to the council’s declaration of interest procedure
Workstyle: Front facing (high presence, regular on-site work with residents and partners) DBS: Enhanced with Barring Politically restricted post Subject to declaration of interests’ procedure
Our mission Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future . To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about. Overview of the role The Deputy Team Manager plays a key leadership role within the Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership, supporting the Team Manager in delivering high-quality, person-centred services to adults with learning disabilities. The postholder provides day-to-day operational management, supervision of staff, and oversight of complex casework, including safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and Section 117 responsibilities. The role also contributes to service improvement, partnership working, and performance management, while maintaining a small specialist caseload. Key responsibilities Support the Team Manager in the operational management and leadership of a multi-disciplinary team Allocate, monitor, and review workload to ensure timely and effective service delivery Oversee duty systems to ensure effective triage and response to referrals Ensure high-quality assessments, support planning, and reviews in line with the Care Act 2014 Provide supervision, appraisal, and professional support to staff, promoting continuous development Lead on safeguarding adults work, including strategy discussions, enquiries, and complex risk management Ensure compliance with Mental Capacity Act (2005), DoLS , and Best Interests decision-making Contribute to the management and oversight of Section 117 aftercare responsibilities Support staff to manage complex cases involving high risk, litigation, or multi-agency involvement Monitor team performance, ensuring compliance with statutory duties, KPIs, and quality standards Ensure accurate and timely recording on case management systems Contribute to recruitment, workforce planning, and staff retention Manage complaints, Member Enquiries, and investigations within required timeframes Represent the team at internal and external meetings, including MDT and partnership forums Deputise for the Team Manager as required Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and level of responsibility
Budget responsibilities (Delete if not required) Support the management of care budgets and commissioned services Ensure care packages are proportionate, regularly reviewed, and within agreed financial limits Contribute to effective resource allocation and value for money
Compliance Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, policies, and procedures including: Care Act 2014 Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS Safeguarding Adults statutory guidance Section 117 aftercare responsibilities GDPR and Data Protection Health and Safety requirements Council’s Code of Conduct. Identify risks and escalate concerns appropriately. Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and policy requirements under GDPR, Employee Code of Conduct and in your area of expertise by identifying opportunities and risks, and escalating issues as necessary.
Person specification Knowledge, experience, and skills
Point Criteria description Essential / Desirable 1 Professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, OT or equivalent (with registration where applicable) Essential 2 Significant post-qualification experience working with adults with learning disabilities Essential 3 Experience of supervising or managing staff in a statutory or health setting Essential 4 Experience working within a multi-disciplinary environment Essential 5 Experience of managing complex cases involving risk, safeguarding, or legal frameworks Essential 6 Strong knowledge of the Care Act, MCA, DoLS, and safeguarding legislation Essential 7 Knowledge and/or experience of Section 117 aftercare responsibilities Desirable 8 Ability to provide effective supervision, appraisal, and staff development Essential 9 Ability to lead safeguarding enquiries and chair professional meetings Essential 10 Ability to manage performance, outcomes, and service quality Essential 11 Strong partnership working and communication skills Essential 12 Ability to investigate complaints and produce high-quality reports Essential 13 Competence in using case management and IT systems effectively Essential 14 Experience contributing to service development or improvement initiatives Desirable 15 Understanding of budget management and resource allocation Desirable 16 Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice Essential
Additional requirements Commitment to ongoing professional development Ability to work in line with CARE values Commitment to promoting independence, choice, and rights for people with learning disabilities and their carers
Our accreditations Our accreditations include Disability Confident Leader, The Mayor’s Good Work Standard, London Living Wage