Advanced Practitioner - MCA DoLs Project Team

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

About the role

We are recruiting to a dedicated project team within our Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Team to support the review of historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications. Established in response to changes in the legal framework following a significant Supreme Court judgment, the team will play a key role in reviewing outstanding DoLS applications, ensuring decisions are lawful, proportionate and person-centred.

Working as part of a specialist, multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to the review, progression and management of historic cases, helping Dorset Council meet its statutory responsibilities while supporting high-quality practice and positive outcomes for people who may be deprived of their liberty.

These are, initially, project-specific opportunities focused on delivering an important programme of work within the MCA/DoLS service. The roles will work closely together under the leadership of the MCA/DoLS Team Manager and contribute to service development, practice improvement and the successful delivery of the project.

About the Role

As an Advanced Practitioner within Dorset Council's MCA/DoLS Project Team, you will provide professional leadership, specialist advice and quality assurance to support the review of historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications. Working closely with Best Interests Assessors and the Assessment Support Coordinator, you will help ensure that assessments and decisions are lawful, evidence-based and person-centred.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to influence practice, support complex decision-making and contribute to an important programme of work within the MCA/DoLS service.

Key Responsibilities

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

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Nurse or other relevant professional qualification.
• Significant experience of working within Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards practice.
• Experience of managing complex cases and supporting professional decision-making.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Experience of quality assurance, professional supervision, mentoring or practice leadership.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide clear professional recommendations.

Desirable

• Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• Experience of leading or supporting service improvement initiatives.
• Experience of developing guidance, training or professional practice resources.
• Experience using Mosaic or similar electronic case management systems.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence in providing challenge, advice and professional scrutiny.
• Ability to influence and support others to achieve high standards of practice.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, legally compliant and person-centred outcomes.

Further Information

For further information please contact Jo Myers, Specialist Manager MCA DoLS Team:[e-mail]

Travel and Disclosure

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders. See our adult safeguarding policy.

You must:

• have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.