About The Job
Some key information
* Required to have the relevant professional qualification (Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or Chartered Psychologist) and hold a current Best Interests Assessor Qualification.
* Registered with the relevant professional body (Social Work England, HCPC).
* Location: Somerset / countywide based team.
* Hybrid working opportunities.
* 30 days annual leave (pro‑rated for part time).
* 30 hours per week.
* This is a Grade 9 post with a current salary of £33,868 - £37,412 per annum (Full Time Equivalent: £41,771 - £46,142).
What will I be doing?
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified and enthusiastic Best Interest Assessor (BIA) to join our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DoLS) Team. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding Team has an important role in upholding the human rights of residents living in care homes and hospitals across Somerset.
The Team includes a Strategic Manager, Service Manager, 5 Best Interest Leads and 2 BIAs, supported by Business Support. It has a range of professionals with backgrounds in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing and Psychology. Applicants should be a registered practitioner with extensive post‑qualifying experience and up‑to‑date knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
In this role I will complete and manage complex best interests assessments, work on triage (rota basis) to screen and prioritise applications in line with the ADASS Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Priority Tool, and as a Lead, quality‑assure assessments completed by Best Interests Assessors and Doctors as part of the Supervisory Body’s scrutiny function. I will also scrutinise, prepare and sign off standard authorisations and escalated to the Service Manager if required.
Key Responsibilities
* Responsible for a caseload of priority and complex DoLS Best Interests Assessments.
* Conduct high-quality statutory DoLS assessments that ensure any deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
* Provide supervision for Best Interest Assessors in the DoLS Team.
* Provide expert advice to professionals and partner agencies about the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
* Lead the day-to-day running of the DoLS service by coordinating the work of the DoLS team on triage.
* Quality‑assure and scrutinise the assessments of others ensuring that documentation is completed to a high standard in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
* Build upon existing knowledge and practice with research and training to develop individual skills and new approaches for improvements in service provision.
* Provide shadowing opportunities to other staff members and BIA students.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
* Experienced Best Interest Assessor, with at least two years post‑qualifying experience carrying out Best Interest Assessments, but not specifically in a dedicated DoLS Team.
* Maintain updated training since qualifying.
* Excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and relevant case law.
* Understanding of physical and mental health conditions and disabilities that can affect mental capacity assessments, and knowledge of care services to meet the needs of people with these conditions.
* Confidence in assessment and decision‑making skills, including experience of completing mental capacity assessments, and the ability to produce good quality reports to meet deadlines.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to communicate clearly with a focus on the rights of individuals under assessment.
* Ability to manage a diverse and demanding caseload.
* Access to a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role.
What's in it for me?
* This Grade offers 30 days annual leave pro‑rated if part‑time (plus bank holidays) and the option to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro‑rated.
* Hybrid working options where the role allows.
* A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities, and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
* A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly.
* Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
* Local Government pension scheme.
* Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce.
* Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers.
* Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance (including a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and more).
* Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
* Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street.
* My Staff Shop providing a variety of discounts including cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more.
* Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with fuel discounts.
* Cycle to work scheme.
Anything else I should know?
Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county with limitations around public transport, the ability to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.
We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this vehicle requirement, and we’re happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.
DBS Information
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
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