Best Interests Assessor

Job description

Job responsibilities

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

This post attracts a ‘welcome payment’ of 5% of the starting salary for the grade to enable individuals to join our permanent workforce. This is payable upon successful completion of your probationary period and is subject to eligibility criteria.

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join the council’s Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) service as a qualified Best Interest Assessor (BIA).

Applications from candidates who wish to work part-time will be considered.

About the Team

We are looking for dynamic and committed individuals to ensure the effective operation of the DOLS service which helps protect and uphold the rights of some of the council’s most vulnerable residents. You will become part of a supportive and experienced team completing assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) and helping to support and develop excellent MCA practice across health and social care services in Bath & North East Somerset.

About the Role

You will show an ability to analyse information and make independent, professional decisions along with excellent report writing and communication skills. The postholder will be required to develop good working relationships with colleagues, service users and carers alike.

You will be working alongside a group of skilled and dedicated practitioners. In return you will receive first rate support, supervision and training opportunities. You will be committed to promoting the best possible outcomes to our residents in need of assessment under the Mental Capacity Act (DoLS). You will uphold the team’s strong emphasis on safeguarding the rights of service users and upholding the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act.

About You

As a Best Interest Assessor you will have:

• A BIA qualification with relevant post qualifying experience
• An excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and related legislation.
• An ability to work as part of a team
• An ability to work in an urgent response service.
• The ability to prioritise workload and make decisions concerning people’s liberty.
• The ability to write excellent reports that will stand legal scrutiny
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT skills.

You must provide proof that you have successfully registered with Social Work England (or other relevant professional body) such as NMC (Nursey & Midwifery Council) or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).

If this sounds like you, then we want to receive your application.

If you believe you have the relevant knowledge and the skills for this post, we want to hear from you. To find out more after reading the job description or just to have an informal discussion about the role, please don’t hesitate to contact Alison McCann, team manager, on 01225 477900.

Interview date: TBC

About Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Please refer to role profile on council's job site.

Desirable

• Please refer to role profile on council's job site.

Experience

Essential

• Please refer to role profile on council's job site.

Desirable

• Please refer to role profile on council's job site.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Bath & North East Somerset Council

Address

The Hollies

Midsomer Norton

Bath and North East Somerset

BA3 2DT

Employer's website

https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)