At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents by applying the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Company: Join a committed team at City of York Council focused on empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health initiatives, flexible working, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; job share opportunities encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Best Interests Assessor with relevant social work experience.
The predicted salary is between 40039 - 48937 £ per year.
Are you a qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced Best Interests Assessor (BIA) keen to use and develop your skills? Are you passionate about working within the scope of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) to protect and uphold the rights of some of York's most vulnerable residents? Have you kept up to date with recent developments relating to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and are you keen to help us implement changes? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are currently looking to recruit one full-time Best Interests Assessor. This is an exciting opportunity to join our close-knit, established, committed, and supportive Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team in York. You will have a relevant Social Work qualification and will be registered with Social Work England. You will also be a qualified Best Interests Assessor, ideally with experience in quality assurance / scrutiny, with relevant practice experience suited to this Grade 10 position.
Role:
- Apply knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2007) in practice.
- Critically evaluate evolving law and guidance relating to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and help implement positive changes in line with best practice and social work professional values.
- Analyse complex information and make independent, professional decisions.
- Demonstrate excellent report writing and high level written and verbal communication skills.
- Engage effectively with a wide range of people including those using care services, carers and a wide range of professionals.
- Scrutinise the work of other BIAs and offer supportive, constructive criticism to ensure quality and consistency.
Our principles / what do we do?
York Adult Social Care supports adults, families and informal carers who live in the city to live an enjoyable life as independently as possible. Strengths-based practice underpins what we do and we're motivated by empowering people to find solutions that work for them, striving to listen and enable, rather than direct and prescribe. Our approach focuses on the positive attributes of a person's life and of neighbourhoods, recognising the capacity, skills, knowledge and potential that individuals and communities possess.
Our teams listen to and support people to identify their outcomes, access personal and practical advice, receive information and support within their local communities and neighbourhoods and help them achieve their goals. It is an exciting time to join us!
This role is suitable as a job share opportunity. Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Chris Goodhead (Acting DoLS Team Manager) at chris.goodhead@york.gov.uk or on 07818 511593.
Closing date: Tuesday 8 September at 12 midnight
Interview date: 21 September 2026
Best Interests Assessor employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interests Assessor
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at City of York Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from City of York Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like City of York Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at City of York Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Interests Assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to City of York Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to City of York Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
