Adult Safeguarding and Protection Specialist

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Montserrat Adult Safeguarding and Protection Specialist, within the Ministry of Health & Social Services.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Montserrat Adult Safeguarding and Protection Specialist, within the Ministry of Health & Social Services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Government of Montserrat is seeking to recruit a highly skilled and qualified Adult Protection Specialist to sit in the Adult Services area and reporting directly to the Director of Social Services. 

The individual selected will provide strategic direction in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and ensure the best outcomes for residents with assessed care and support needs. With a background as a qualified social worker and a keen understanding of current global best practice, this individual will become a core member of the team with an opportunity to help the Government of Montserrat achieve its transformational aims. 

The Adult Protection Specialist will be expected to work across the public sector agencies to model and embed multi-agency working principles and strengthen cross island approaches to tackling embedded challenges. You will be expected to work closely with the new Multi-Agency Safeguarding Specialist (a fellow qualified social worker) embedded within the Royal Montserrat Police Service and the Education Standards and Excellence Partner within the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

WHAT YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO DELIVER IN THE ROLE

This is an exciting and challenging role, enabling the right individual to apply a breadth of skills and contribute to shifting the trajectory of social services on Montserrat. Although ability to flex to emerging priorities will be key, you will be expected to:

Within Adult Services  

• Conduct general reviews to identify gaps in service delivery, ensure that services make appropriate referrals for care, identify and address risk factors and develop awareness/ education campaigns to the public on issues relevant to vulnerable adults
• Model effective multi-agency working to inform case management with close working with stakeholders across the public sector, including the Criminal Justice System, Education and other Social Services colleagues
• Produce a Quality Assurance Tool for our three adult care home facilities, working with multi-agencies to identify and drive areas for improvement
• Contribute to the implementation of Montserrat’s national policy on care of elderly people
• Contribute to the implementation of Montserrat’s national disability policy
• Review current legislation in use within the Ministry and make recommendations where required
• Advise and support the development of policies to address the growing needs of older persons, adults with disabilities and persons with mental health challenges in Montserrat, including contributing to the development of governance and oversight mechanisms
• Consult and advise staff on complex case management as needed
• Lean in with knowledge of equality and barriers in subject matter area to support the development of Montserrat’s national gender policy
• Use understanding of equality to support Social Services to continue to strive towards implementation to the Convention of Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Contribute to the formulation of policies governing mental health services in Montserrat

Training and Development of Other Professionals 

• Deliver continuing professional development upskilling and mentoring to staff within Social Services 
• Collaborate with the Health Promotion Unit arm of the Ministry to support public education and awareness programmes
• Identify up and coming talent in the Department and consider how best they can be supported to grow into Montserrat’s future safeguarding and protection specialists, developing table top exercises to grow and consolidate required skills that may not have regular exposure in Montserrat
• Work closely with the Multi-agency Safeguarding and Working Together Specialist embedded within the police and the Education Standards and Excellence Partner in the Ministry of Education to support safeguarding across the public sector
• Collaborate with other government ministries on continuous professional development activities related to specialist role

Research and Service Improvement

• Consider data available to contribute to the design and implementation of population-based research to support development of evidence based services which are responsive to the needs of the population
• Conduct original research, collect data and record trends and advise the Ministry of Health and Social Services on required program changes
• Submission of quarterly reports to the Director of Social Services as needed. This will include data and breakdowns where appropriate, such as demographics, referrals, utilisation of service, development of staff
• Preparation and updating of work plans. This will include key tasks and expected outputs for each quarter based on outlined tasks above.

ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

• Undergraduate Degree or Postgraduate Qualification in Social Work – or graduate level qualifications in a relevant area 
• Ability to provide a high level of expertise, professional leadership, advice, support and guidance in respect of adult safeguarding and protection
• Extensive post qualification experience in adult social services working as a social worker and/or in social services leadership
• Experience of working in a diverse setting together with a high level of commitment to the values of equity and sensitivity to cultural difference
• High level of commitment to equality and managing diversity, sensitive to the needs and views of diverse groups and individuals
• Highly developed leadership skills, able to command confidence and commitment to delivery
• Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development, for example through current registration with a social worker regulatory body
• Experience in a supervisory/managing role within the adult social services sector 
• Demonstrable experience of, and ability to, support and deliver strategic and/or policy development of adult social services
• Keen ability to adapt best practice to unique situations, with a pragmatic approach and recognition of resource constraints
• Ability to reflect, adapt and implement change based on experience and the unique context of Montserrat
• Well-developed communication skills, with excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience working with multi-agencies to safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• Delivery of safeguarding and professional development training to both internal and external stakeholders, commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development 

Desirable:

• Delivery of safeguarding and professional development training to both internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in a range of adult services including elderly services, learning disabilities and mental health; transition into adulthood services is especially welcome
• Experience within the Caribbean region and/or on small island states 
• Experience of complying with relevant regulations and working with different legislative frameworks
• Management of complex relationships with strategic partners
• Experience of carrying out or supporting serious case reviews

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TEAM

• Passion for delivering services with an emphasis on responsibility, community and health relationships, quality, professional growth for staff and growth for the people you will support
• Ability to use initiative and work independently
• Strong organisational skills to manage a range of priorities whilst meeting deadlines
• Subject matter expertise
• Good judgment, integrity and discretion when handling confidential information with strong communicating and negotiation skills
• Excellent technical, analytical presentation, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills 
• Evidence of harnessing the strengths and talents of team members and stakeholders to support them to realise their full potential and achieve area goals

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed Term 18 months initially with potential for extension. 6-month probation period. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR RECRUITMENT APPLICANTS

The successful candidate will be supported to secure work permit, locate housing and open a Montserrat bank account as needed. An allowance package is provided, including a return flight to your home nation at the start and end of your contract, and an allowance for housing and incidentals.