At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments to ensure the best interests of vulnerable adults in Hull.
- Company: Hull City Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental capacity and safeguarding is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
This is a full time permanent position. This role is not available for sponsorship therefore is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK.
ROLE AND PURPOSE
Working closely with adults within and around the city of Hull, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Best Interest Assessor (BIA) in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs) Team, completing comprehensive person-centred assessments to a high standard in determining whether applications made by Managing Authorities to deprive a person of their liberty meet the legal criterion and are in the person’s best interests, as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Code of Practice and subsequent case law.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
- Customer Focus – Demonstrate a clear focus on the rights of adults under assessment and communicate clearly about the MCA and DoLs process to adults, family/friends and members of the public.
- Performance Management – Maintain comprehensive and accurate case records, producing high quality reports and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, court, meetings, panels, conferences and other agencies.
- Statutory Obligations – Undertake the role of the BIA in line with legislation, case law and local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Obtaining, evaluating, and analysing complex evidence and differing views and weighing them appropriately in decision making, you will identify and action a proposed deprivation of liberty, assessing whether or not this is within best interest and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection.
- Assess the person’s situations in a way which maximises their participation and takes into account the views of family members and relevant professionals to determine if the person is being deprived of their liberty and if so if this is in their best interests.
- Engage with people who may be objecting to the service provision made for them and who may be a risk to self or others to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their rights and are supported to undertake a section 21A challenge where appropriate.
- Sensitively negotiate when assessing service users and carers where there is conflict or lack of insight to try to resolve this conflict or where this is not possible signpost to available options.
- Demonstrate through their practice a strong commitment and comprehensive understanding of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, including critical reflection and analysis of challenging cases, changing contexts at local and national levels, awareness of current issues and evidence-based practice research.
- Make appropriate recommendations regarding the appointment of Relevant Persons Representative in line with legislation and to escalate any objection cases to the Court of Protection in line with case law.
- Using their expert knowledge and understanding the post holder will provide professional support, education, advice, and guidance to staff across various agencies in Hull and members of the public.
- Assist the DoLs and MCA Practice Lead and Operational Team Manager - Dols in helping staff to develop skills and expertise in the areas of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, providing coaching, and mentoring to social care staff, as requested.
- Maintain efficient and reliable liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as Council departments, having regard to effective working relationships in ensuring Managing Authorities are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring no person is deprived of their liberty without lawful authorisation.
- To assist in the delivery of awareness/training and practice workshops on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, policy and procedures ensuring a joint approach with the training department.
- To support the DoLs and MCA Practice Lead in scrutinising Dols assessments to ensure legal compliance.
- To form part of a duty rota to respond to urgent BIA requests.
Benefits of Working of Hull City Council:
- A competitive salary.
- An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Initially 23 days annual leave depending on length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year, and three additional days off, one in May/August and one during the Christmas/New year period.
- Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods.
- Supportive and forward-thinking culture.
- Great career development opportunities.
Please ensure that you complete and submit your application by midnight prior to the closing date. We are committed to increasing the diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce to represent the people we serve and build an environment in which everyone can feel like they belong. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
The 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.
Best Interest Assessor in Witham employer: Hull City Council
Hull City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and residents. With competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and ample opportunities for career development, this role as a Resident Care & Service Liaison Officer allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while growing professionally in a fulfilling environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor in Witham
✨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 Hull City 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 Hull City 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 Hull City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor in Witham
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 Hull City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hull City 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 Hull City 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.
