Best Interests Assessor

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a Best Interests Assessor to ensure legal protections for individuals lacking capacity. In this role, you will conduct assessments, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and uphold individuals' rights under the Mental Capacity Act. The position supports professional development, offers flexible working, and includes a competitive benefits package. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience in social work, nursing, or psychology. This is a home-based role with some travel required across the county.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments.
• Commitment to empathetic, person-centred practice.
• Dedication to upholding the rights of the individuals you assess.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments virtually and face-to-face.
• Assessing complex, high priority referrals regarding restrictive care arrangements.
• Promoting individuals’ rights and welfare in practice.
• Participating in the BIA duty function and responding to advice requests.

Skills

Best Interests Assessor qualification

Relationship management skills

Mediation skills

Empathetic, person-centred practice

Education

Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist

Job description

Joining our Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Service (MCA/DoLS) as aBest Interests Assessor(BIA),you’llbe an integral part of our team.You’llhelp to implementsafeguardsprovidinglegal protection for people who lack capacity and may be deprived of their liberty, ensuring theirHumanRights areupheldin line with Article 5 of the Human Rights Act.

You’llthrive in a supportive team environmentwheresharing experiences and learning from each other is encouraged.You’llhave opportunities toparticipatein group and individual reflective practice, allowing you to expand and develop your knowledge andexpertise.

Whatyou’llbe doing:

• Carrying our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments virtually and face-to-face, in line with current legislation and guidance.
• Assessing complex,high priority referrals and providing an independent review of restrictive care arrangements.
• Promoting individuals’ rights and welfare, and role-modelling best practice across the directorate.
• Collaborating in a multi-disciplinary manner, effectively negotiating with individuals, their families,carersand other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Regularlyparticipatingin the BIA duty function, triaging referrals, and responding to requests for advice related to MCA/DoLS.

Whatwe’relooking for:

• Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• QualifiedSocial Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist, registeredwith the relevant professional body.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments.
• Excellent relationship managementand mediationskills.
• Commitment to empathetic, person-centred practice and dedication to upholding the rights of the individuals you assess.

Why join us?

• Professionaldevelopment:Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
• Work-lifebalance:Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life, including flexible working options including a 9-day fortnight, compressed hours, etc.
• Employee support:Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Enhancements:Senior Social Workers are eligible for a market supplementof £3,000 per annumupon completion of their Excellent Practice Validation portfolio.
• Competitivebenefitspackage:Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Our team are home-based, soyou’llhave nominimumrequirement for coming to the office, however you will be expected to travel countywide to carry out assessments, as well as attending the office on occasion to meet with the team.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.