Best Interest Assessor

London Borough of Sutton Council

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are thrilled to announce a new opportunity within our service, and we're counting on you to join us and lend your support. As a Best Interest Assessor (BIA), your role is crucial when an individual is unable to provide informed consent for their care or treatment due to a lack of mental capacity. In such cases, decisions regarding treatment must be made with the client's best interests as the priority - and that's where your expertise comes in.

Main duties of the job

You'll play a vital role in enhancing awareness and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) within the service. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Balancing an individual's right to autonomy and self-determination with their right to safety, responding appropriately and proportionately.
  • Making well-informed, independent best interest decisions within the framework of a DoLS assessment.

As a BIA working in our DoLS team, your role involves determining whether residents lacking capacity to consent to their care are being deprived of their liberty. If so, you'll assess whether this deprivation is in their best interests, aimed at reducing risk and preventing harm. Your responsibilities include conducting thorough person-centred assessments and preparing all necessary reports, ensuring compliance with the DoLS legal framework outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), Code of Practice, and relevant case law.

This opportunity arises during an exciting phase as we expand our service, introducing fresh opportunities and innovative approaches to provide a leading social care service. If you're someone who thrives on collaboration and continuous self-improvement, we want you to join us in shaping the future of our service

About us

Adult Social Care is undergoing a significant transformation to address the rising demand for our services. We're implementing wide-ranging changes to improve care for adults and create positive working environments for our staff. We have new leaders and experienced managers who bring innovative ideas to the service and are driving meaningful changes through our service delivery. Our goal is to deliver exceptional care that enhances outcomes for our community whilst providing an inclusive, diverse and stable environment for staff to grow their career.

Adults First Contact Service - Safeguarding, DoLS And General Duty

Sutton has a well established DoLs team of BIAs undertaking assessments on behalf of the Borough, leading to Standard Deprivations of Liberty under the Mental Capacity Act. We have introduced a new Adults First Contact Service, focused on improving access and the experience of the resident. The team will focus on the person's strength and abilities, screening to see if the person has safeguarding, deprivation of liberty safeguards or Care Act eligibility. Our ambition is also to provide information, advice that support our residents' independence.

Date posted

02 August 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£39,264 to £47,040 a year (£49,083 unconsolidated maximum)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

F0058-24-3079

Job locations

Civic Offices

St Nicholas Way

Sutton

SM1 1EA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Undertake the role of the BIA / CoP Social Worker in line with legislation, case law local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Obtaining, evaluating, and analysing complex evidence and differing views and weighing them appropriately in decision making, you will identify and action a proposed deprivation of liberty, assessing whether or not this is within best interest and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection.

Support ASC Teams to monitor practice, to ensure recommended conditions are adhered to in accordance with legislation and case law, undertaking timely reviews and / or renewals of existing DoLS and CoP authorisations, ensuring appropriate contact and communication is maintained with Managing Authorities.

Maintain comprehensive and accurate case records, producing high quality reports and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, court, meetings, panels, conferences and other agencies.

Take accountability of decisions and judgements made in carrying out the duties of the role, presenting cases at legal hearings and exercising the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy, using it to inform practice, together with consultation and supervision.

Make appropriate recommendations regarding the appointment of Relevant Persons Representative in line with legislation and to escalate any objection cases to the Court of Protection in line with case law.

Demonstrate through your practice a strong commitment and comprehensive understanding of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, including critical reflection and analysis of challenging cases, changing contexts at local and national levels, awareness of current issues and evidence-based practice research.

You will use this knowledge to provide professional support, education, advice and guidance to staff across various agencies in Sutton and members of the public.

Assist where required in supporting staff to develop skills and expertise in the areas of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, providing coaching, and mentoring to social care staff, as requested. Maintain efficient and reliable liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as Council departments, having regard to effective working relationships in ensuring Managing Authorities are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring no person is deprived of their liberty without lawful authorisation.

Although not a budget holder the post holder will be expected to contribute to ensuring that the teams budget is properly and effectively managed.

The post will work closely with other staff, professionals and agencies across the service area e.g. Police, health, providers and voluntary sector. The Council needs to provide its services more cost effectively and this will mean a significant number of employees needing to work in different ways and from varying locations according to the needs of their job.

Able to deal with complex and challenging case work whilst working at pace at which supervision and support is given.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Undertake the role of the BIA / CoP Social Worker in line with legislation, case law local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Obtaining, evaluating, and analysing complex evidence and differing views and weighing them appropriately in decision making, you will identify and action a proposed deprivation of liberty, assessing whether or not this is within best interest and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection.

Support ASC Teams to monitor practice, to ensure recommended conditions are adhered to in accordance with legislation and case law, undertaking timely reviews and / or renewals of existing DoLS and CoP authorisations, ensuring appropriate contact and communication is maintained with Managing Authorities.

Maintain comprehensive and accurate case records, producing high quality reports and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, court, meetings, panels, conferences and other agencies.

Take accountability of decisions and judgements made in carrying out the duties of the role, presenting cases at legal hearings and exercising the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy, using it to inform practice, together with consultation and supervision.

Make appropriate recommendations regarding the appointment of Relevant Persons Representative in line with legislation and to escalate any objection cases to the Court of Protection in line with case law.

Demonstrate through your practice a strong commitment and comprehensive understanding of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, including critical reflection and analysis of challenging cases, changing contexts at local and national levels, awareness of current issues and evidence-based practice research.

You will use this knowledge to provide professional support, education, advice and guidance to staff across various agencies in Sutton and members of the public.

Assist where required in supporting staff to develop skills and expertise in the areas of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, providing coaching, and mentoring to social care staff, as requested. Maintain efficient and reliable liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as Council departments, having regard to effective working relationships in ensuring Managing Authorities are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring no person is deprived of their liberty without lawful authorisation.

Although not a budget holder the post holder will be expected to contribute to ensuring that the teams budget is properly and effectively managed.

The post will work closely with other staff, professionals and agencies across the service area e.g. Police, health, providers and voluntary sector. The Council needs to provide its services more cost effectively and this will mean a significant number of employees needing to work in different ways and from varying locations according to the needs of their job.

Able to deal with complex and challenging case work whilst working at pace at which supervision and support is given.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Be a Qualified Best Interest Assessor, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC) / ASW/AMHP or Practice Teaching award and/or Social Work England.

Experience

Essential

  • Candidates should have successfully completed an approved BIA course and demonstrate extensive knowledge and practical experience aligned with the Care Act 2014, its principles, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, along with its principles. Additionally, familiarity with broader legislation related to the work of Best Interest Assessors within the health and social care domain is essential.
  • Undertaking BIA work with vulnerable adults with complex needs.
  • Experience and knowledge in undertaking BIA assessments and presenting cases in court.
  • Provide professional support, education, advice and guidance to staff across various agencies
  • Excellent communication skills to Is able to effectively relay key and complex information to all levels of staff and the ability to adapt the style of communication as necessary to ensure its understood by all parties
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Be a Qualified Best Interest Assessor, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC) / ASW/AMHP or Practice Teaching award and/or Social Work England.

Experience

Essential

  • Candidates should have successfully completed an approved BIA course and demonstrate extensive knowledge and practical experience aligned with the Care Act 2014, its principles, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, along with its principles. Additionally, familiarity with broader legislation related to the work of Best Interest Assessors within the health and social care domain is essential.
  • Undertaking BIA work with vulnerable adults with complex needs.
  • Experience and knowledge in undertaking BIA assessments and presenting cases in court.
  • Provide professional support, education, advice and guidance to staff across various agencies
  • Excellent communication skills to Is able to effectively relay key and complex information to all levels of staff and the ability to adapt the style of communication as necessary to ensure its understood by all parties

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

London Borough of Sutton Council

Address

Civic Offices

St Nicholas Way

Sutton

SM1 1EA


Employer's website

https://www.sutton.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

London Borough of Sutton Council

Address

Civic Offices

St Nicholas Way

Sutton

SM1 1EA


Employer's website

https://www.sutton.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruitment Team

recruitment@kingston.gov.uk

Date posted

02 August 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£39,264 to £47,040 a year (£49,083 unconsolidated maximum)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

F0058-24-3079

Job locations

Civic Offices

St Nicholas Way

Sutton

SM1 1EA


Supporting documents

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