Best Interests Assessor HCC622909
The closing date is 21 December 2025
Job summary
Joining our Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Service (MCA/DoLS) as aBest Interests Assessor (BIA),you'll be an integral part of our team. You'll help to implement safeguards providing legal protection for people who lack capacity and may be deprived of their liberty, ensuring their Human Rights are upheld in line with Article 5 of the Human Rights Act.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Main duties of the job
- Carrying our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments virtually and face-to-face, in line with current legislation and guidance.
- Assessing complex, high priority referrals and providing an independent review of restrictive care arrangements.
- Promoting individuals rights and welfare, and role-modelling best practice across the directorate.
- Collaborating in a multi-disciplinary manner, effectively negotiating with individuals, their families, carers and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
- Regularly participating in the BIA duty function, triaging referrals, and responding to requests for advice related to MCA/DoLS.
What we're looking for:
- Best Interests Assessor qualification.
- Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Chartered Psychologist, registered with the relevant professional body.
- Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and developments.
- Excellent relationship management and mediation skills.
- Commitment to empathetic, person-centred practice and dedication to upholding the rights of the individuals you assess.
About us
You'll thrive in a supportive team environment where sharing experiences and learning from each other is encouraged. You'll have opportunities to participate in group and individual reflective practice, allowing you to expand and develop your knowledge and expertise.
Why join us?
- Professional development: Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
- Work-life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life, including flexible working options including a 9-day fortnight, compressed hours, etc.
- Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Enhancements: Senior Social Workers are eligible for a market supplement of £3,000 per annum upon completion of their Excellent Practice Validation portfolio.
- Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Our team are home-based, so you'll have no minimum requirement for coming to the office, however you will be expected to travel countywide to carry out assessments, as well as attending the office on occasion to meet with the team.
Details
Date posted
05 December 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£40,643 to £45,077 a year plus a Senior Social Worker market supplement of £3,000 per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number
F0017-25-0094
Job locations
Elizabeth II Court
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8UB
Employer details
Employer name
Hampshire County Council
Address
Elizabeth II Court
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8UB
Employer's website
https://www.hants.gov.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
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