Overview
Join to apply for the Community DoLS Assessor role at NHS.
An exciting opportunity within the well-established and expanding MCA and DoLS Team within the Safeguarding Team at BNSSG ICB. This role will be demanding and dynamic, reflecting the progressive growth of the service and the commitment of the ICB to fulfilling its statutory duties by innovating and embedding a gold standard approach within the completion of mental capacity assessments, best interests decision-making, and the Community DoLS process across the BNSSG ICB. You will be joining a well-established team that continues to develop innovative systems and processes and has developed positive working relationships with stakeholders in this area. You will be responsible for obtaining, evaluating, and analysing complex evidence and differing views, and weighing them appropriately in decision-making. You will identify deprivations of liberty and prepare all necessary documentation on prescribed forms in preparation for submission to the Court of Protection. You will demonstrate through your practice a strong commitment and comprehensive understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, the changing legal landscape around deprivation of liberty and safeguarding. You will be a qualified Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and willing to undertake further training to practice as an Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP) when the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) become operational.
Responsibilities
The post holder will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Community DoLS Assessor across the ICB footprint, gathering information, completing assessments, and submitting applications to the Court of Protection in accordance with Re X streamlined procedures. This includes robust capacity assessments and legally defensible best interests assessments to determine and ensure that deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate, and in the service user’s best interests. The post holder will undertake AMCP conversion training and statutory duties related to LPS when it becomes operational within the ICB. You will also:
* Prepare supporting documentation for Community DoLS applications under Re X streamlined procedure, including capacity assessments and best interests decision-making, ensuring all interested parties are consulted and appropriate referrals for IMCA/Rule 1.2 Representative where required.
* Manage a caseload of Community DoLS cases as allocated by the Senior MCA and DoLS Manager.
* Liaise with families and care providers to explain the Community DoLS process, provide advice and support, and maintain the service user at the centre of all decisions.
* Undertake capacity and best interests assessments in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and record them to a high professional standard.
* Identify cases that require welfare applications to the Court of Protection.
* Support colleagues in matters relating to mental capacity and best interests decision-making and provide guidance as required.
* Support embedding a gold standard MCA practice across ICB activities.
* Provide support during the transition to LPS when confirmed by the Government.
* Participate in project activity and lead specific projects on behalf of the Senior MCA and DoLS Manager, delivering outcomes within timescales.
* Share knowledge within the team and advocate for complex and vulnerable service users.
* Develop care plans in consultation with other professionals and work collaboratively with Health & Social care colleagues across the ICB footprint.
* Collaborate with relevant agencies including Advocates/IMCAs and ensure renewal of Community DoLS orders within the identified timescales.
* Participate in research projects as required and implement beneficial results as agreed.
* Maintain robust communication systems within the team and keep clear and up-to-date records of care.
* Support the Senior MCA and DoLS Manager in management of Court of Protection cases and in delivering multidisciplinary training on MCA and DoL matters as required.
Details
* Band: 6
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Location: BNSSG ICB, Floor 2, 100 Temple Street, Bristol BS1 6AG
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Knowledge, Training and Experience
* A degree-level qualification in social work or nursing or occupational therapy.
* Qualified as a Best Interests Assessor under the DoLS process.
* Registered health or social care professional (e.g., NMC, Social Work England).
* Evidence of Continuing Professional Development since qualification and commitment to ongoing professional development.
* Significant experience working in health or social care.
* Comprehensive understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Code of Practice, and knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty, Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and Liberty Protection Safeguards as per the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019.
* Experience working with people who have difficulty communicating and in emotive situations.
* Experience undertaking DoLS and/or Community DoLS assessments.
Essential Communication Skills
* Experience producing accurate and concise reports to a high standard and presenting clear, evidence-based opinions.
* Strong verbal communication skills for discussing complex matters and influencing others.
* Ability to nurture key professional relationships and maintain networks.
Essential Analytical Skills
* Good assessment skills and the ability to make informed decisions within deprivation of liberty frameworks.
* Ability to adapt responses for different people and environments.
* Ability to work under pressure, handle emotive situations calmly, and seek appropriate support and solutions.
* Ability to make accountable decisions on complex issues with multiple options.
* Attention to detail and the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis.
* Independent thinker with sound judgment, problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Essential Planning Skills
* Self-motivated with the ability to plan and work on own initiative.
Essential Management Skills
* Experience supervising and developing staff formally or informally.
Other Requirements
* Disclosure and Barring Service check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure.
* UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.
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