Advanced MCA/DoLS Practitioner & Practice Lead

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is recruiting an Advanced Practitioner for the MCA/DoLS Project Team to provide professional leadership, specialist advice and QA for historic DoLS applications. You will work with Best Interests Assessors and the Assessment Support Coordinator to ensure lawful, proportionate and person-centred decisions.

This role offers opportunities to influence practice, support complex decision-making and contribute to a major programme of MCA/DoLS delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree in social work/OT or equivalent and HCPC registration are essential.
• Experience with Mental Capacity Act and DoLS practice is required.
• Ability to advise, supervise and lead complex cases with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and quality assurance of assessment and review activity.
• Support colleagues with complex, sensitive, high-risk cases.
• Offer specialist MCA/DoLS guidance and best practice advice.
• Promote legally robust, evidence-based decision-making across the team.
• Review records and recommendations to ensure quality standards.
• Progress historic DoLS applications requiring further review.
• Contribute to local guidance, procedures and practice development.
• Coach and develop staff within the team.
• Contribute to service improvement, training and QA activities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical thinking

Professional scrutiny

Influence and guidance

Organisational skills

Commitment to quality

Education

Degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent

HCPC registration

Tools

Mosaic or similar case management system

Job description

Dorset Council is recruiting an Advanced Practitioner for the MCA/DoLS Project Team to provide professional leadership, specialist advice and QA for historic DoLS applications. You will work with Best Interests Assessors and the Assessment Support Coordinator to ensure lawful, proportionate and person-centred decisions.

This role offers opportunities to influence practice, support complex decision-making and contribute to a major programme of MCA/DoLS delivery.