Best Interests Assessor

Hampshire County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in the UK is seeking a Best Interests Assessor to support individuals lacking capacity and uphold their rights under the law. The role involves conducting assessments, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring proper legal safeguards are implemented. Ideal candidates will have qualifications as a Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Chartered Psychologist, with a commitment to person-centered practices. This position offers flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Continuous learning opportunities

Work-life balance options

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Qualifications

• Must be registered with the relevant professional body.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments is essential.
• Demonstrated commitment to empathetic, person-centred practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments virtually and in-person.
• Assess complex referrals and review care arrangements.
• Promote individuals’ rights and welfare.

Skills

Relationship management

Mediation skills

Empathetic practice

Knowledge of legislation

Education

Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist

Job description

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Best Interests Assessor

Job Reference: HCC622909

Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum, plus a Senior Social Worker market supplement of £3,000 per annum

Work Location: Home-based, with travel to assessment locations

Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours will be considered)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 21 December 2025

Interview Date: 5 and 6 January 2025

The Role:

Joining our Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Service (MCA/DoLS) as a Best Interests Assessor (BIA), you’ll be an integral part of our team. You’ll help to implement safeguards providing legal protection for people who lack capacity and may be deprived of their liberty, ensuring their Human Rights are upheld in line with Article 5 of the Human Rights Act.

You’ll thrive in a supportive team environment where sharing experiences and learning from each other is encouraged. You’ll have opportunities to participate in group and individual reflective practice, allowing you to expand and develop your knowledge and expertise.

What you’ll be 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, carers and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Regularly participating in the BIA duty function, triaging referrals, and responding to requests for advice related to MCA/DoLS.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist, registered with the relevant professional body.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments.
• Excellent relationship management and mediation skills.
• Commitment to empathetic, person‑centred practice and dedication to upholding the rights of the individuals you assess.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Best Interests Assessor role, the team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application

• Make a difference: Watch this shortvideo to find out more about the important work our Mental Health Teams do.
• Career growth: View our career pathways for more information about opportunities within our Adults Social Work service.
• Professional development: Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
• Work-life balance: 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 supplement of £3,000 per annum upon completion of their Excellent Practice Validation portfolio.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more informationhere .
  

Our team are home-based, so you’ll have no minimum requirement 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.

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

Other job titles you may be searching for: BIA, Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, OT, Psychologist, Senior Social Worker, Social Work Practitioner.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Values Based Recruitment:

We recruit for attitudes and values in Adults’ Health and Care. We invite you to evidence how you demonstrate our 5 core values in your application. For more information on our values, please refer to the candidate pack.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.