How you'll make a difference

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), team are responsible for arranging and co-ordinating DoLS assessments in line with statutory requirements. Applications are prioritised for assessment and allocated to Best Interest assessors and mental health assessors who are expected to complete the assessment within a timely period. We provide support and guidance on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and DoLS for South Glos BIA’s as well as other Adult Social Care staff.

As a accredited qualified and registered Social Worker or Occupational Therapist and a Best Interests Assessor or BIA Trainee,you will make a difference by giving people a voice and helping protect their human rights.

We are looking for either a Trainee Best Interest Assessor (BIA) or fully qualified BIA, Salaries are offered at points within these bands depending on experience:

• Best Interest Assessor Trainee: £33,945 - £36,648
• Best Interest Assessor Advanced Grade Practitioner: £38,223 - £41,418

What will you be doing?

You will carry out DoLS assessments in hospitals and care homes, completing assessments in a timely manner to support South Gloucestershire Council with its functions as a Supervisory Body.
You’ll assist in raising awareness of the MCA and DoLS, encouraging their effective use in health and social care settings.
You will assist with the organisation and delivery of MCA and DoLS related events, bringing together relevant professionals, service users and carers with a view to providing up to date information and networking opportunities.
You will participate in both DoLS team and Best Interests Assessor meetings and will contribute to team and service development.

As a Trainee Best Interest Assessor:

Under the supervision of the Senior Practitioner, you will work as a Trainee Best Interest Assessor with adults who have been identified as being Deprived of their Liberty in a variety of settings.
You will be working towards a Best Interest Assessor Qualification with the expectation that you will qualify as a Best Interest Assessor and be approved by the council to carry out the BIA role.
You will participate in both DoLS team and Best Interests Assessor meetings and will contribute to team and service development.
You’ll assist in raising awareness of the MCA and DoLS, encouraging their effective use in health and social care settings.

What we need from you

As a Best Interest Assessor:

You must have an accredited qualification as a DoLS Best Interests Assessor, and be a registered professional in one of the following occupations: Social Work; Occupational Therapist; Nurse or Chartered Psychologist
You will have significant post qualifying experience in adult social care or mental health with experience of complex MCA and DoLS cases and working across partner organisations.
You will have excellent communication knowledge and skills with the ability to form positive professional relationships and work as part of a team.
You will have a thorough knowledge of current MCA and DoLS legislation, case law and practice guidance.
You will have the ability to keep appropriate records and provide clear and reasoned reports in accordance with legal requirements and good practice, with the necessary skills to evaluate and analyse complex evidence and differing views.

As a Trainee Best Interest Assessor:

You must have an accredited qualification as a registered professional in one of the following occupations: Social Work or Occupational Therapist
You will have the willingness and ability to complete or are currently undertaking a period of study to achieve a qualification as an accredited Best Interest Assessor.
You will have two years post qualifying relevant experience of working with a broad range of people including families in a social services care setting and applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
You will have excellent communication knowledge and skills with the ability to form positive professional relationships and work as part of a team.
You will have evidence of on-going continuous professional development and knowledge of current legislation and practice relating to the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and social care.
You will have good interpersonal skills with the ability to complete good quality and outcome focused assessments, communicate findings and keep detailed and accurate records.

Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.

How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different

We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance.

We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.

As part of our benefits package you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities

We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.

Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.

We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of
We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life
We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.

We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.

We’re making a difference, be part of it!

Job Description

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Best Interest Assessor/BIA Trainee - Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

How you'll make a difference

What we need from you

How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different

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