At Bath & North-East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.
This role comes with a welcome payment of 5% of the starting salary for the grade a thank-you for joining our permanent team. This bonus is paid upon successful completion of your probation and is subject to eligibility.
Make a Meaningful Impact Join Us as a Best Interest Assessor!
If you're passionate about safeguarding the rights of vulnerable adults and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
We’re seeking two qualified and experienced Best Interest Assessors (BIA) to join our Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) service. These are permanent, full-time roles (37 hours/week) based at The Hollies, Midsomer Norton, with flexible and home working options available.
As a BIA, you’ll:
* Undertake DoLS assessments to ensure legal safeguards are in place for individuals deprived of their liberty.
* Provide expert advice to care providers, professionals, and families on MCA and DoLS matters.
* Promote best practice across health and social care settings.
* Maintain accurate, auditable records and produce high-quality reports that stand up to legal scrutiny.
* Work collaboratively across multi-agency teams to deliver person-centred care and support.
About the Team
You’ll be joining a supportive, experienced, and dynamic team committed to upholding the rights of some of our most vulnerable residents. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative environment where professional development is encouraged and supported through supervision, training, and peer learning.
Our team plays a vital role in ensuring that the principles of the Mental Capacity Act are embedded across services, and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to safeguarding and advocacy.
About You
We’re looking for a dedicated professionals who are:
* A qualified Best Interest Assessor with relevant post-qualifying experience.
* Registered with Social Work England, HCPC, NMC, or another relevant professional body.
* Knowledgeable in MCA, DoLS, Human Rights legislation, and associated codes of practice.
* Skilled in communication, analysis, and decision-makingespecially in urgent or complex situations.
* Able to work independently and as part of a team, managing their own caseload effectively.
* Committed to anti-discriminatory practice and person-centred care.
Excellent IT skills and the ability to write clear, legally sound reports are essential.
Additional Information
* Applications from part-time candidates are welcomed.
* We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer flexible working arrangements in line with business needs.
Interested?
If you’d like to know more, please contact Alison McCann, Team Manager, on 01225 477900 or email alison_mccann@bathnes.gvo.uk for an informal discussion.
Interview Date: TBC
This is a rolling advert applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage early applications as the advert may close once suitable candidates are appointed.
No agencies, please.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
About Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity
We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.