Best Interests Assessor

West Berkshire Council is seeking a qualified Best Interests Assessor to join our DoLS team within the wider Adult Safeguarding Service. You will undertake face-to-face assessments with adults who have a range of needs, ensuring their wishes, rights and individual circumstances are central to your work. Alongside assessment and scrutiny work, you will help the service understand and respond to the implications of the AGNI judgment and other legal developments. Working with managers and legal services, you will support our in-house BIAs and care providers through practical advice and shared learning. The role may also include supervising a member of the team and providing flexible support to the wider Safeguarding Service. The role

• Undertake DoLS assessments for standard and urgent authorisations, including best interests and mental capacity assessments.
• Consult sensitively with individuals, families, representatives, Section 12 doctors and other professionals.
• Produce clear, thorough and timely assessment reports and maintain accurate records.
• Scrutinise assessments, challenge assessors where necessary and complete documentation as part of the authorisation process.
• Work with managers and legal services to understand the implications of AGNI and other legal developments, contributing to updates to local practice and guidance.
• Support in-house BIAs and care providers to understand and apply agreed guidance, including its implications for providers' responsibilities and DoLS referrals.
• Provide supervision to a member of the team where required and agreed with the line manager.
• Support DoLS triage, administration, recording and reporting, and contribute flexibly to the wider Safeguarding Service.
  
  A relevant professional qualification and current registration with Social Work England or another applicable professional regulatory body.
• A recognised Best Interests Assessor qualification and evidence of maintaining the training and competence required to practise as a BIA.
• Experience of undertaking DoLS and mental capacity assessments and producing well-reasoned reports.
• A sound understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and relevant case law, with the ability to evaluate legal developments, including AGNI, and recognise when further advice is needed.
• The ability to scrutinise assessments, provide constructive challenge and exercise sound professional judgement.
• Strong communication skills, including fluency in English, and the ability to consult sensitively with adults, families, providers and professionals.
• The ability to support colleagues through practical guidance and shared learning, with a willingness to undertake supervisory responsibilities where required.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while completing work accurately and on time.
• A commitment to equality, dignity and practice that respects each person's wishes and rights.
• A valid driving licence and the ability to drive to assessment locations, as all assessment activity will be face to face.
  
  A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00.
• Hybrid working wherever possible, working 40% in the office. Face-to-face assessments and travel are required for this role.
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to contribute to practice development and share learning within the DoLS and wider Safeguarding Service.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• A range of local discounts.
• Wellbeing Programme, including an Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits.
• A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum, plus public holidays, rising by an additional five days after five years' service, (pro rata for part-time hours).