Best Interests Assessor

Devon County Council; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is looking for a passionate Best Interests Assessor to join their Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Service. This role requires strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and a commitment to protecting individuals' rights. Candidates must have relevant professional qualifications and at least two years of post-qualifying experience. The position offers flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

Specialist training

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years post-qualifying experience in a relevant field.
• Registration with the appropriate professional regulatory body.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assessments to ensure lawful deprivation of liberty.
• Champion individuals' human rights.
• Support individuals in challenging care arrangements.

Skills

Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act

Analytical skills

Ability to produce high-quality assessments

Education

Relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Chartered Psychology

Job description

Join Our Team and Make a Real Difference!

Due to the expansion of our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Service, we are offering full-time and part-time opportunities for passionate professionals who want to make an impact.

Please note: This vacancy will close once all positions have been filled, soearly applications are encouraged

Are you a Registered Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, or Chartered Psychologist with at least two years post-qualifying experience?

Do you have an excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and want to develop this further?

If so, Devon County Councils DoLS Service would love to hear from you!

We have several Best Interests Assessor (BIA) roles available perfect for either:

• Qualified BIAs looking for their next challenge, or
• Professionals with the right skills and experience who want to train as a BIA and gain specialist skills.

Main duties of the job

As a Best Interests Assessor, youll play a vital role in protecting peoples rights. You will:

• Carry out assessments that ensure any deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
• Champion individuals human rights, ensuring they are supported and represented.
• Enable people to challenge their care arrangements in the Court of Protection making your work both meaningful and impactful.

What Were Looking For:

• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS in practice.
• Ability to produce high-quality, legally robust assessments.
• Analytical skills to evaluate complex information and make sound judgments.

About us

What We Offer

• Specialist training for the right candidate.
• A chance to be at the forefront of rights-based practice.
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• A supportive team environment where your expertise is valued.

This is more than a job its an opportunity to shape practice, uphold rights, and make a real difference in peoples lives.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now via Devon Jobs and join a service that puts people first.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working-The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Job responsibilities

For all relevant information pleaserefer to the job description and person specification documents attached.

Person Specification

Experience

• Please refer to the job description and person specification document that is attached to the advert. Use this to address how your skills and experience meet the criteria outlined for this role.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or
• Chartered Psychologist qualification recognised by the regulatory body
• Registration with the appropriate professional regulatory body,

Do you have current Right to Work in the UK?

• Please let us know if you have current Right to Work in the UK on your application form.
• Please let us know if you have current Right to Work in the UK on your application form.

Do you require Visa sponsorship to support your Right to Work in the UK?

• Please let us know if you require sponsorship to support your Right to Work in the UK on your application form.
• Please let us know if you require sponsorship to support your Right to Work in the UK on your application form.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.