Best Interests Assessor – Adults

Proud to Care Devon; Topsham; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist training

Flexible working arrangements

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Devon County Council’s DoLS Service is seeking qualified professionals for Best Interests Assessor roles. You will perform DoLS assessments, safeguard rights, and support individuals through the Court of Protection processes.

The positions require a strong grasp of the Mental Capacity Act, practical DoLS experience, and the ability to produce robust, legally sound assessments. Flexible working arrangements and specialist training are offered.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assessments to determine deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
• Champion individuals’ rights, ensuring support and representation.
• Enable people to challenge their care arrangements in the Court of Protection.

Skills

Mental Capacity Act

DoLS

Assessment writing

Analytical thinking

Job description

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 Council’s 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
• For the right candidate with an existing detailed knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) along with the necessary skills and experience required to undertake the specialist BIA training.

Why Join Us?

As a Best Interests Assessor, you’ll play a vital role in protecting people’s 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 We’re 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.

Does the job role include personal care?: No

Working Patterns:

TBC

Essential details:

What We Offer

• Specialist training for candidates who demonstrate a detailed practice experience, knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 during the recruitment process.
• 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—it’s an opportunity to shape practice, uphold rights, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

What we can offer you

• We are committed to yourcontinuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
• 26 days annual leaveper year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Recognition of NHS continuous servicefor contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions)
• Flexible working opportunitiesare available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme- more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidentialEmployee Assistance Programme– available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Discounts from local and high street retailersthrough the Devon Discounts scheme.
• As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon asa best Interest assessorhas never been more attractive.
• Please note:At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.

For further information or an informal discussion about this role please contact:

• Kath Beattie - Team Manager (Tues-Fri) on 07891 140885 or [e-mail]
• Sean McKeown – Team Manager (Mon-Weds) on 07483 454 553 or [e-mail]