Best Interests Assessor

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

Job summary

A local authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Best Interests Assessor to join their Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Service. The successful candidate will conduct assessments, ensuring legal protection for individuals lacking capacity while promoting their rights in a supportive team environment. Opportunities for professional development and flexible working options are available. Join a dedicated team and make a positive impact on individuals' lives.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave entitlement

Occupational sick pay

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Market supplement after validation

Qualifications

• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments.
• Registered with the relevant professional body.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments virtually and face-to-face.
• Assess complex, high priority referrals independently.
• Promote individuals' rights and welfare.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary manner for positive outcomes.
• Participate in the BIA duty function and triage referrals.

Skills

Best Interests Assessor qualification

Excellent relationship management skills

Mediation skills

Commitment to 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’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,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’re looking 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.

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