About Us: Two positions available: 1 x 37 hours per week post 1x 18.5 hours per week post The Warwickshire County Council Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards service (DoLS) has been based within Mental Health services since April 2013. This adheres to the Government response (June 2014) to the Select Committees Report on the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Government recommended that MCA, of which the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are a key component, should be separated from the generic safeguarding services. Our team comprises of a Service Manager, an administrative team and 8.81 FTE Best Interest Assessor Advanced Practitioners. The function of the Warwickshire DoLS service is; To ensure that Warwickshire County Council statutory duties as the supervisory body for deprivation of liberty safeguards under the Mental Capacity Act are fulfilled for those individuals who are deprived of their liberty in residential, nursing and hospital settings. Therefore, we must make arrangements for the assessment of a person who the managing authority believes is being deprived of their liberty. We conduct the required 6 separate assessments within stipulated timescales. We allocated a Best Interest Assessor to determine whether the individual has capacity, whether the circumstances of the case amount to a deprivation, whether this is in the best interests of the individual and to recommend conditions and the timescale of the Deprivation of Liberty which will be authorised on behalf of Warwickshire County Council. The Role: To be responsible for undertaking complex assessments in accordance with the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) as a means of judging whether an adult is deprived of their liberty and, if so, whether this is in their best interests and necessary to prevent harm to them. The post holder shall make a difference by working directly with people in highly complex situations, or by supporting and/or developing internal and external staff, to provide better outcomes for adults whose packages of care place a level of restriction on their lives that amounts to a deprivation of liberty. The postholder will be required to manage complex multi-agency and non-professional relationships in a manner that helps mediate conflicts between all concerned parties to ensure the needs of the person are kept at the heart of the DoLS process. The postholder will be expected to assist the DoLS lead in the effective deployment of available resources in accordance with the main functions of the DoLS, which includes the provision of professional advice and guidance as required. Ensure the values of the Health and Social Work profession are upheld and that people’s human rights are valued and respected in all aspects of professional practice. Key skills and required experience: To be a suitably qualified professional with appropriate registration with the required professional body. To be a qualified Best Interest Assessor with 1-2 years’ experience of completing DoLS assessments. The post holder is required to hold a full and valid divers’ licence and have access to a car as we are responsible for every Warwickshire resident’s DoLS assessment, wherever they may be placed. The post holder will deliver practice which is recognised as exemplary, upholds the value base of the health and social work profession and provide leadership and professional wisdom to colleagues and other professionals for work in the areas of MCA and DoLS. The post holder must have a comprehensive working knowledge of the Bournewood judgment, Human Rights Act (1998), codes of practice, statutory instruments including: Mental Capacity Act (MCA 2005), Mental Health Act (2007), (Care Act 2014), Care Standards Act (2000), National and local policies, guidance and procedures, and resources relevant to the Mental Capacity Act (2005). This will include knowledge of the functions, roles and responsibilities of the Courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies, BIA’s, IMCA’s, other professionals and other agencies (including the managing authority). Ability to take accountability of decisions and judgements made in the Best Interests Assessor role. Contribute to the development of practice in the area of Mental Capacity and DoLS so as to help influence and contribute to the operational and strategic development across Warwickshire. For further information please see the Job Description and Person Specification below; Best Interest Assessor Advanced Practitioner Working for Warwickshire – This is the difference you make Warwickshire County Council is a place where everyone feels?valued, included, safe, supported,?and?welcome. Our people are at the heart of this vision, could you be one of them!? At Warwickshire County Council we are committed to ensuring Warwickshire’s economy is vibrant and supported by the right jobs, training, skills and infrastructure. Our people vision for Warwickshire County Council is a great place to work where diverse and talented people are enabled to be their best. Your future matters to us, we provide a generous pension scheme which includes an employer contribution rate of typically around 19 percent per month, to help support your financial security during retirement. The scheme also offers a valuable package of benefits for members and their dependants. To find out more please visit: Warwickshire Pension Fund homepage – Warwickshire Pension Fund ' The benefits we offer include agile working, a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government, generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays and an additional day at Christmas, and access to Vivup benefits and discounts platform. Click here to view the benefits at Warwickshire County Council. Additional Information Warwickshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Please be advised successful applicants will be subject to a range of pre-engagement checks, including a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In accordance with the DBS code of practice and our own policy, should an individual have a declared criminal offence an individual assessment will be completed. Warwickshire County Council adheres to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Fluency Duty is outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. The Fluency Duty for this role is Required. You must be able to speak and provide advice in accurate spoken English to the public. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. We don't want to keep you waiting so we will be starting the initial shortlist and assessment process while the job advert is running. Please check your emails or applicant account via our jobs portal for any updates on your application For an informal chat about the role please contact Liz Hill 01926 413920/07825 926 588. Closing date: 8 th September 2025 Should you require application forms in an alternative format / language or any adjustments to be made throughout the application process or upon appointment, please contact hrandpayroll@warwickshire.gov.uk and we will make every effort to meet your specific requirements. Warwickshire County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and is keen to address areas of under representation in its workforce. See? more