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- Tasks: Conduct Best Interest Assessments in care homes and hospitals, supporting adult social care in Surrey.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's DOLS Team, committed to equality and mutual learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 26-30 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Best Interest Assessor qualification and excellent knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants and a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 39300 - 51900 £ per year.
The starting salary for this role is £46,399 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. This is a one-year fixed term contract/secondment opportunity until July 2026. We are excited to be hiring a new Best Interest Assessor to join our fantastic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) Team. We are a county-wide team based in Woking, however, there is an opportunity to work flexibly, including from your own home and at other Surrey County Council offices.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role:
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to further develop your understanding and experience of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and you will be helping to support MCA practice across adult social care in Surrey. You will receive regular supervision, reflective practice sessions and annual Best Interest Assessor legal update training as part of your role.
Primarily, you will be undertaking Best Interest Assessments in care homes and hospitals where people are being deprived of their liberty; often these will be more 'complex' requests and will require you to have detailed understanding and knowledge of the application of DOLS and the Mental Capacity Act. On a weekly basis, you will also contribute to the team's duty system, including triaging incoming DOLS authorisation requests, quality assuring assessments completed by other assessors, responding to email and telephone queries, and providing support and advice to both external agencies and other adult social care teams. You will also support the development and training of trainee Best Interest Assessors.
Our team consists of administrative staff, DOLS Coordinators and Best Interest Assessors who work collaboratively with an ethos of supporting each other to ensure that the objectives of the team are achieved.
Shortlisting Criteria:
To be considered for shortlisting, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence the following:
- A Best Interest Assessor qualification and relevant post qualifying experience, including an ability to prioritise workload and to make decisions concerning people's liberty
- Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate in a clear and concise manner
- Confidence and ability to use IT systems and to produce reports of a high standard that will bear legal scrutiny
- Excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and other related legislation
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 7th April 2025 with interviews taking place week commencing 21st April 2025. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Our Commitment:
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Best Interest Assessor employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in your assessments but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Best Interest Assessors or professionals in adult social care. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle complex cases or prioritise workload, as these scenarios are likely to be discussed.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by practicing clear and concise communication. This is crucial for the role, so consider mock interviews or discussions with friends to refine your delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Best Interest Assessor qualification and relevant post-qualifying experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to prioritise workload and make decisions regarding people's liberty.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly articulate your understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Showcase your excellent interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
Highlight IT Proficiency: Emphasise your confidence and ability to use IT systems. Mention any experience you have in producing reports that meet legal scrutiny standards, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application to ensure there are no errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply in real-life scenarios, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since excellent communication is key for a Best Interest Assessor, think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to assessing someone's best interests. Prepare by thinking through potential dilemmas and how you would approach them, showcasing your decision-making skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
The role involves working collaboratively within a team. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully worked with others, supported colleagues, or contributed to a team goal, as this aligns with the ethos of the DOLS team.
