Best interests Assesor

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

This role comes with a welcome payment of 5% of the starting salary for the grade – a thank-you for joining our permanent team. This bonus is paid upon successful completion of your probation and is subject to eligibility.

Make a Meaningful Impact – Join Us as a Best Interest Assessor!

If you're passionate about safeguarding the rights of vulnerable adults and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

We’re seeking a qualified and experienced Best Interest Assessor (BIA) to join our Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) service. This is a permanent, full-time role (37 hours/week) based at The Hollies, Midsomer Norton, with flexible and home working options available.

As a BIA, you’ll:

• Undertake DoLS assessments to ensure legal safeguards are in place for individuals deprived of their liberty.
• Provide expert advice to care providers, professionals, and families on MCA and DoLS matters.
• Promote best practice across health and social care settings.
• Maintain accurate, auditable records and produce high-quality reports that stand up to legal scrutiny.
• Work collaboratively across multi-agency teams to deliver person-centred care and support.

About the Team

You’ll be joining a supportive, experienced, and dynamic team committed to upholding the rights of some of our most vulnerable residents. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative environment where professional development is encouraged and supported through supervision, training, and peer learning.

Our team plays a vital role in ensuring that the principles of the Mental Capacity Act are embedded across services, and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to safeguarding and advocacy.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A qualified Best Interest Assessor with relevant post-qualifying experience.
• Registered with Social Work England, HCPC, NMC, or another relevant professional body.
• Knowledgeable in MCA, DoLS, Human Rights legislation, and associated codes of practice.
• Skilled in communication, analysis, and decision-making—especially in urgent or complex situations.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, managing their own caseload effectively.
• Committed to anti-discriminatory practice and person-centred care.
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to write clear, legally sound reports are essential.

Additional Information

• Applications from part-time candidates are welcomed.
• We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer flexible working arrangements in line with business needs.

Interested?

If you’d like to know more, please contact Alison McCann, Team Manager, on 01225 477900 or email alison_mccann@bathnes.gvo.uk for an informal discussion.

Interview Date: TBC

This is a rolling advert – applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage early applications as the advert may close once suitable candidates are appointed.

No agencies, please.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

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

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

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Must be a qualified professional in one of the following roles:
• -Social Worker
• -First-level Nurse
• -Occupational Therapist
• -Chartered Psychologist
• -Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Desirable

• Additional training or qualifications in:
• -Human rights law
• -Mental health law
• -Safeguarding adults

Experience

Essential

• -Must have completed an approved Best Interests Assessor qualification (typically a Level 7 postgraduate module worth 20 credits).
• -Must have a sound understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and relevant Codes of Practice.

Desirable

• Experience in:
• -Multi-disciplinary team working
• -Advocacy or person-centred planning
• -Complex case work involving capacity and risk assessments
• -Using up-to-date case law in practice
• -Familiarity with the role and responsibilities of the Relevant Persons Representative (RPR).
• -Involvement in policy development or service improvement related to mental capacity and deprivation of liberty.

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)