Responsibilities
* Responsible for a caseload of priority and complex DoLS Best Interests Assessments.
* Conduct high‑quality statutory DoLS assessments to ensure any deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
* Provide supervision for Best Interest Assessors in the DoLS Team.
* Provide expert advice to professionals and partner agencies about the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
* Lead the day‑to‑day running of the DoLS service by coordinating the work of the DoLS team on triage.
* Quality‑assure and scrutinise the assessments of others, ensuring documentation is completed to a high standard in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
* Build upon existing knowledge and practice with research and training to develop individual skills and new approaches for improvements in service provision.
* Provide shadowing opportunities to other staff members and BIA students.
Qualifications
* Experienced Best Interest Assessor, with at least two years post‑qualifying experience of carrying out Best Interest Assessments, but not specifically in a dedicated DoLS Team.
* Maintain updated training since qualifying.
* Excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and relevant case law.
* Understanding of physical and mental health conditions and disabilities that can affect mental capacity assessments, and the range of care services to meet the needs of people with these conditions.
* Confidence in assessment and decision‑making skills, including experiences of completing mental capacity assessments and the ability to produce good‑quality reports to meet deadlines.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to communicate clearly with a focus on the rights of individuals under assessment.
* Ability to manage a diverse and demanding caseload.
* Access to/use of a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role.
Benefits
* 30 days annual leave pro‑rata if part‑time (plus bank holidays) and the option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro‑rata.
* Hybrid working options where the role allows.
* Local Government pension scheme.
* Employee support networks that recognise and celebrate diversity and equality.
* Guaranteed interview schemes: Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers.
* Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events.
* Relocation assistance of up to £8,000, subject to eligibility requirements.
* Access to the Blue Light Card, offering discounts online and in‑store.
* My Staff Shop discounts on cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym and more.
* Discounted lease‑car options via salary sacrifice, with fuel discounts.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Grade 9 post with a current salary of £33,868 – £37,412 per annum for 30 hours per week.
Equal Opportunities
We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments. We also welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
Contact
If you have any questions about the role, you can contact Sarah Ballantyne.
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