Best Interests Assessor - MCA DoLS Project Team

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council's MCA/DoLS team is recruiting an experienced Best Interests Assessor to review historic DoLS applications, ensuring lawful, proportionate and person-centred decisions.

You will work with an Advanced Practitioner and a Coordinator to progress complex cases, provide specialist advice, and contribute to service development.

Qualifications

• Qualified Best Interests Assessor with HCPC registration.
• Degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience with MCA/DoLS and complex assessments.

Responsibilities

• Review historic DoLS applications and available information.
• Assess whether further assessment is required per legislation and guidance.
• Undertake Best Interests Assessments and proportionate reviews.
• Determine whether deprivation of liberty exists and progress to full assessment as needed.
• Produce clear, legally robust assessment records and recommendations.
• Provide specialist advice to colleagues and partner agencies.
• Support prioritisation and progression of complex cases.
• Contribute to quality assurance and practice development.

Skills

Assessment skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Record-keeping

Judgement

Independent working

Organisational skills

Person-centred practice

Education

SW/OT degree or equivalent

HCPC registration

Tools

Mosaic

Job description

About the role

We are recruiting to a dedicated project team within our Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Team to support the review of historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications. Established in response to changes in the legal framework following a significant Supreme Court judgment, the team will play a key role in reviewing outstanding DoLS applications, ensuring decisions are lawful, proportionate and person-centred.

Working as part of a specialist, multi-disciplinary team, it will contribute to the review, progression and management of historic cases, helping Dorset Council meet its statutory responsibilities while supporting high-quality practice and positive outcomes for people who may be deprived of their liberty.

This opportunity is initially focused on delivering an important programme of work within the MCA/DoLS service. The roles within the project team will work closely together under the leadership of the MCA/DoLS Team Manager and contribute to service development, practice improvement and the successful delivery of the project.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Best Interests Assessor. This specialist role will focus on reviewing historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications, supporting the Council to make lawful, proportionate and evidence-based decisions in line with current legislation and case law.

Working closely with an Advanced Practitioner and an Assessment Support Coordinator, you will provide expert assessment, professional judgement and specialist advice to help progress complex cases and deliver positive outcomes for people who may be deprived of their liberty.

Key Responsibilities

• Review historic DoLS applications and information gathered through the project team's screening process.
• Assess whether further assessment activity is required, applying relevant legislation, case law and professional guidance.
• Undertake Best Interests Assessor functions and proportionate reviews where required.
• Determine whether a deprivation of liberty exists and identify cases requiring progression to a full assessment.
• Complete clear, accurate and defensible assessment records and documentation.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues, care providers and partner agencies.
• Support the prioritisation and progression of complex cases.
• Contribute to quality assurance, practice development and the refinement of local procedures and guidance.
• Work collaboratively with professionals, advocacy services, care providers and partner organisations to support effective decision-making.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Best Interests Assessor.
• Relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or another profession eligible to practise as a BIA.
• Significant experience of working within the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards framework.
• Experience undertaking complex assessments and making evidence-based decisions.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, case law and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Ability to analyse complex information and produce clear, legally robust assessments and recommendations.

Desirable

• Experience reviewing complex or historic DoLS cases.
• Experience supporting colleagues through advice, mentoring or practice development.
• Experience using Mosaic or similar electronic case management systems.
• Knowledge of recent case law and developments impacting DoLS practice.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent assessment and analytical skills.
• Strong written communication and record-keeping abilities.
• Confidence in making professional judgements and managing complex situations.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to high-quality, person-centred and legally compliant practice.

Further Information

For further information please contact Jo Myers, MCA/DoLS Specialist Manager:[e-mail]

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our adult safeguarding policy.

This vacancy is being advertised internally to:

• our employees
• agency workers currently working for us

If we cannot appoint someone, the vacancy may then open to external candidates.

Employees working within a school are not considered internal applicants.

You must:

• have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.