Senior Best Interests Assessor - DoLS
Contract: 12 months – Home based with one day a week in Hereford – Hours: 37 – Salary: £40,777-£45,091 – Closing date: 04.05.2026 – Interviews: 11.05.2026.
Responsibilities
Support the AMHP, DoLS & EDT services Manager with a robust authorisation process for DoLS, scrutinising completed DoLS assessments submitted by Drs and Best Interests Assessors, ensuring these are legally robust, defensible and ready for authorisation. Provide professional supervision and practice guidance to BIAs. Support effective workflow, allocation, and prioritisation of cases. Act as senior source of advice on the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and relevant case law; provide expert guidance and support to staff in managing complex assessments. Play a role in quality assurance, practice scrutiny, staff supervisions, allocations and DoLS Forums. Contribute to service development, policy updates, procedural guidance, and deputise for the service manager as required.
Qualifications
* Qualified Best Interests Assessor with at least 2 years of BIA practice and experience of assessing a range of client groups.
* Strong commitment to protecting the human rights of those we work with and strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, The Care Act and Safeguarding.
Benefits
* Salary range of £40,777‑£45,091.
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Clear career progression pathways.
* Annual leave: 31 days pro‑rata plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 10 days.
* Flexible working arrangements, including job‑sharing and part‑time hours.
* Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support and counselling.
* Payment of professional membership fees in line with role requirements.
* Additional perks such as retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cashback and discounts.
Diversity & Inclusion
* Commitment to supporting candidates who indicate a disability, in line with the Disability Confident scheme.
* Commitment to supporting Armed Forces Veterans or Reservists, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Commitment to supporting Herefordshire care leavers, in line with the care leaver pledge.
For questions or an informal chat, please email CWrecruitment@herefordshire.gov.uk. Please reference the job description and person specification in your correspondence.
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