Closing Date and Salary
Closing date: 2 June 2026
Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum
Position Summary
The Best Interest Lead plays a key leadership role within Adult Operations, providing professional and operational oversight of the countywide Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) service. You’ll ensure best‑interest decision‑making is lawful, timely and person‑centred, protecting the rights of people who lack capacity and supporting high‑quality practice across Somerset.
Essential Qualifications and Registration
* Relevant professional qualification (Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or Chartered Psychologist) and current Best Interests Assessor qualification.
* Registered with the relevant professional body (Social Work England, HCPC).
* Qualified and approved Best Interests Assessor (BIA) with current professional registration.
* Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification or willingness to participate in the AMHP rota.
* Ability to apply legislation, policy and professional judgement to complex and sensitive situations.
Working Conditions
* Location: Somerset / countywide based team.
* Hybrid working opportunities.
* 30 days annual leave (pro‑rata for part‑time).
* 30 hours per week.
* Must have full access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the day‑to‑day running of the DoLS service, prioritising urgent and complex cases.
* Undertake and quality‑assure complex Best Interest Assessments, ensuring legally robust decision‑making.
* Provide expert advice and guidance on the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS to practitioners, partners and providers.
* Support, mentor and develop Best Interests Assessors, contributing to supervision, learning and professional development.
* Work closely with legal services and partner agencies, including contributing to Court of Protection processes.
* Contribute to service development, audit activity, policy guidance and training to promote continuous improvement.
Essential Criteria
* In‑depth working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, associated Codes of Practice and related legislation.
* Strong understanding of best‑interest decision‑making, mental capacity assessment and positive risk management.
* Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and statutory duties within Adult Social Care.
* Awareness of the legal framework relating to the Court of Protection and supervisory body responsibilities.
* Knowledge of current national policy, guidance and best practice relating to MCA, DoLS and adult safeguarding.
* Significant experience of undertaking complex and high‑risk Best Interest Assessments.
* Experience of working with people who lack capacity and with families, advocates and partner agencies.
* Experience of providing professional advice and guidance to practitioners and external partners.
* Experience of contributing to complex case discussions involving capacity, risk and legal considerations.
* Experience of quality‑assuring professional practice and written assessments.
* Experience of leading, coordinating or supervising staff or professional groups.
* Experience of service development or contributing to policy, guidance or learning resources.
* Experience of working with legal services and contributing to Court of Protection processes.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate risk, evidence and best‑interest options.
* Strong written skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and legally robust documentation.
* Effective communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information to a range of audiences.
* Ability to prioritise and manage a caseload of urgent and complex work within statutory timescales.
* Ability to work collaboratively across multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency environments.
* Ability to support, mentor and contribute to the development of other professionals.
* Ability to contribute to and deliver training or learning activities.
* Confidence in contributing to audit activity and service improvement initiatives.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience with complex case discussions and legal considerations beyond routine practice.
* Willingness to participate in the AMHP rota.
* Additional relevant professional qualifications beyond the required base credentials.
About the Team and Service
You’ll join a countywide specialist DoLS service within Adult Operations, working alongside experienced practitioners and leaders committed to high‑quality, rights‑based practice. The team plays a vital role in supporting services across Somerset and promoting lawful, proportionate and person‑centred decision‑making.
Additional Information
We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK and who hold a recognised social work qualification and are registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process and is only available to candidates currently living in the UK.
We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet vehicle and work requirements. We are happy to discuss these from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.
Contact
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Ballantyne at sarah.ballantyne@somerset.gov.uk.
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