Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Ola Bolaji

Social Care And Mental Health Professional
Ikeja

Summary

Results-driven Executive with 20 years of progressive experience in Law, Mediation, Arbitration, Safeguarding, Children and Adult Social Care, including Mental Health, and Family support. Exceptional leader, change manager and complex problem solver. Proven skills in operations oversight, policy development and process improvements.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Chief, Mental Health and Social Care Coordinator

Afrodition Consults Limited
Lagos
08.2020 - Current
  • Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve 50% higher performance levels.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures and practices.
  • Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
  • Updated business processes, products and team makeups to generate more business opportunities and cater to audience needs.
  • Worked with department heads to address team needs and offer high-level support for everyday operations.
  • Direct and coordinate teams of professionals in delivery of enhanced Mental Health Social Care services.
  • Coordinate and deliver Early Intervention, Training and Awareness Campaigns, Aftercare Services, Dementia Support Service, Corporate and Government Consultancy services.
  • Research and Analyze relevant legislation (including case laws), government policies and guidance on Mental Health Social Care and Human Rights as well as making recommendations for legislative and policy changes.
  • Supervise investigation, evidencing (including witness statements, skeletal arguments, preparation of trial bundles etc.) and recommendations for action around case-working, for effective outcomes

Specialist Lead Mental Health Officer

London Borough of Croydon
Croydon
07.2014 - 07.2020
  • Created and Coordinated COVID-19 exit strategy for closing cases.
  • Researched and analyzed relevant case laws as well as Government policies and guidance, and advised on matters relating to Immigration, Social Care and Community Law.
  • Key point of contact for team on matters relating to laws and policies (immigration, family and community law) i.e. support services, eligibility and policy.
  • Developed protocol and policy documents around service provision for Mental Health service users.
  • Designated NRPF Mental Health NRPF officer, managing and joint working specialist caseload of Mental Health service users with NHS.
  • Identified, analyzed, and applied relevant legislation (including case laws) to create detailed reasoned decisions.
  • Initiated and managed complex projects, including development of written guidance, in partnership with diverse range of stakeholders and across multiple organizations.
  • Prepared, reviewed, and updated NRPF training manuals and delivered NRPF training to team members and other relevant professionals across multiple services
  • Investigated and Conducted Contact Assessments, Immigration and Human Rights Assessments, placement and review of people subject to immigration control (for Adults with special needs and for Children in need) under relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
  • Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
  • Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
  • Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.

Immigration Adviser

Brightway Immigration and Asylum Practitioners
London
01.2012 - 06.2014
  • Analyzed and prepared court documents, prepared instructions to counsel, witness statements, skeletal arguments, preparation of trial bundles, briefing papers, reports and presentations and represented clients in court
  • Managed dispute resolution and was conflict management overseer.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.

Volunteer Legal Adviser/Executive Officer

Action Congress Nigeria (UK Chapter)
London
10.2009 - 03.2013
  • Arranged for conduct of litigation and/or defense where applicable on behalf of company, its organs, officers and officials.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures and practices.
  • Was able to successfully analyze and prepare various legal documents
  • Drew up and amend policy documents as are required
  • Managed dispute resolution and was conflict management overseer
  • Chaired Disciplinary and Arbitration Committee.

Legal Adviser/Practice Manager

Wisdom Issacs Solicitors
London
02.2006 - 10.2009
  • Deputized for CEO and supervised staff work
  • Devised and maintained office systems, including data management; prepared court documents for filing, instructions to counsel, briefing papers, reports and presentations and representing clients in court.
  • Trained interns and newly hired team members on office procedures and computer system.
  • Oversaw accounting, budgeting and financial reporting.
  • Provided supervision and management to team of 30 support personnel.
  • Provided outstanding support to entire staff which helped improve process flow and boosted efficiency.
  • Created and implemented organizational policies and procedures.

Insolvency Examiner

The Insolvency Service
Croydon
06.2007 - 12.2007
  • Contacted up to 50 bankrupts daily, assessed, completed reports and carried out in-depth investigations required to make application to court for Bankruptcy Restriction Order.
  • Arranged for collection of debts through various options suitable to individual cases.
  • Managed own caseload, carried out case reviews and made recommendations on further investigations or early discharge from bankruptcy.

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Education

Certified Professional Relationship Coach (CPRC) - Coaching And Mentoring

Chartered Institute of Mentoring And Coaching, FPMC
Nigeria
01.2022 - 05.2022

Certified Social Impact Coach and Mentor (CSCM) - Mentoring And Coaching

Chartered Institute of Mentoring And Coaching
Nigeria
01.2022 - 05.2022

Certificate in Dementia Care (Level 2) UK - Dementia Care

NCFE CACHE
United Kingdom
02.2021 - 07.2021

Introductory Organising Steward - Trade Union Advocacy And Representation

UNISON
United Kingdom
08.2019 - 08.2019

- Mental Health First Aider -

Mental Health First Aid England
United Kingdom
09.2018 - 09.2018

Multiple qualifications in Social Care - Social Care

Multiple Schools
United Kingdom
01.2014 - 01.2020

Member,Chartered Institute Arbitrators UK (MCIArb) - Arbitration

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
United Kingdom
07.2004 - 02.2005

Certificate of Call To Bar - Law

Nigerian Law School
Nigeria
06.2003 - 10.2004

Accredited Mediator - Mediation

Centre For Effective Dispute Resolution (UK)
United Kingdom
01.2004 - 11.2004

Bachelor of Laws - Law

University of Lagos
Nigeria
09.1996 - 05.2002

Skills

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Accomplishments

    2022


  • Invited by Lagos State Government/Lagos State AIDS Control Agency on multiple occasions, to sensitize different groups of the society on Anti-Stigma Laws and the Impact of Stigma and Discrimination on the Mental and Emotional Well-Being of people Living with HIV/AIDS.
  • 2021


  • Arranged, Facilitated and Coordinated programmes in association with the Federal Capital Development Authority, and Non-Governmental Organisations in Abuja-Nigeria on The Effects of Taboos and Stigma on Mental Health and Marriage in Nigeria.
  • 2020


  • Anchored a TV programme on Liberty TV Abuja, with the topic – Mental Health is a Fundamental Human Right
  • Created and coordinated the COVID19 exit strategy for closing cases, Croydon, United Kingdom.
  • 2019


  • Provided Legal Support and Instructions to the Legal Department, whilst also providing regular Legal Updates to the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)/Social Service team, Croydon, United Kingdom.

  • Certified by MHFA England as a Mental Health Fist Aider
  • 2018


  • Developed new Policy and joint working Protocol on Mental Health services for Local Authority and the Care Commissioning Group (CCG)/National Health Service (NHS) Croydon, United Kingdom.
  • 2017

    o Exceeded Year on Year Appraisal Expectations which led to above band salary increases.

    2016

    o Exceeded Year on Year Appraisal Expectations which led to above band salary increases.

    o Recognition by the United Kingdom Home Office/UKBA for joint working, dedication, and professional handling of difficult offenders with compassion and dignity. This significantly reduced costs to the UK Government across all departments.

    2015

    o Developed a process to manage aftercare services for those experiencing mental health issues. My work was delivered at the Croydon Mental Health summit which paved way for a change of policies surrounding the provision of Aftercare services. Implementing the process consequently significantly increased cases resolutions, which got my team a finalist position at the Croydon Council Awards 2015 in the category of ‘Effective Outcomes in the Community’.

    2014

    o Successfully coordinated the NRPF periodic network meetings which was regularly attended by all Local Authorities across London, including the DWP, HMRC and the Home Office.

Timeline

Certified Professional Relationship Coach (CPRC) - Coaching And Mentoring

Chartered Institute of Mentoring And Coaching, FPMC
01.2022 - 05.2022

Certified Social Impact Coach and Mentor (CSCM) - Mentoring And Coaching

Chartered Institute of Mentoring And Coaching
01.2022 - 05.2022

Certificate in Dementia Care (Level 2) UK - Dementia Care

NCFE CACHE
02.2021 - 07.2021

Chief, Mental Health and Social Care Coordinator

Afrodition Consults Limited
08.2020 - Current

Introductory Organising Steward - Trade Union Advocacy And Representation

UNISON
08.2019 - 08.2019

- Mental Health First Aider -

Mental Health First Aid England
09.2018 - 09.2018

Specialist Lead Mental Health Officer

London Borough of Croydon
07.2014 - 07.2020

Multiple qualifications in Social Care - Social Care

Multiple Schools
01.2014 - 01.2020

Immigration Adviser

Brightway Immigration and Asylum Practitioners
01.2012 - 06.2014

Volunteer Legal Adviser/Executive Officer

Action Congress Nigeria (UK Chapter)
10.2009 - 03.2013

Insolvency Examiner

The Insolvency Service
06.2007 - 12.2007

Legal Adviser/Practice Manager

Wisdom Issacs Solicitors
02.2006 - 10.2009

Member,Chartered Institute Arbitrators UK (MCIArb) - Arbitration

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
07.2004 - 02.2005

Accredited Mediator - Mediation

Centre For Effective Dispute Resolution (UK)
01.2004 - 11.2004

Certificate of Call To Bar - Law

Nigerian Law School
06.2003 - 10.2004

Bachelor of Laws - Law

University of Lagos
09.1996 - 05.2002
Ola BolajiSocial Care And Mental Health Professional