Best Interests Assessor

Hampshire County Council; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority council in the United Kingdom is seeking a Best Interests Assessor to join their Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Service. In this role, you will conduct assessments to safeguard individuals' rights and ensure compliance with legislation. The position offers professional development opportunities, a flexible work-life balance, and a competitive benefits package, including a market supplement upon validation of excellent practice. The role allows for home-based work while requiring occasional travel for assessments.

Benefits

Continuous learning and supervision

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Market supplement upon completion

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Must hold a Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• Registration with relevant professional body as a Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
• Assess complex and high priority referrals.
• Promote individuals’ rights and best practice.

Skills

Relationship management

Mediation skills

Knowledge of legislation

Empathetic practice

Education

Best Interests Assessor qualification

Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• 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.

Why join us?

• 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.

Logistics

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.

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.

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