Senior BIA/DOLS Assessor

As a senior member of the DOLS team within the Safeguarding Adults Service, you will provide advice, guidance and support on best‑interest assessments and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS). The post requires expertise in current case law, representation at the Court of Protection and the ability to manage complex, emotionally charged caseloads while ensuring compliance with the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Human Rights Act, Care Act and related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure practice reflects current case law and relevant legislation.
• Represent the authority at the Court of Protection when required.
• Identify, challenge and redress discrimination and inequality in all its forms.
• Respect individuals’ qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds, promoting their rights, dignity and self‑determination.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of and practice to a high standard within the context of DOLS 2007 and associated legislation.
• Manage a complex, diverse and fast‑changing caseload of assessments, including those relating to adult safeguarding, risk and mental capacity.
• Act on proposed deprivation of liberty within legally prescribed timescales, evaluate best‑interest status and submit reports to the supervisory body and, where appropriate, to the Court of Protection.
• Obtain, evaluate and analyse complex evidence, weighing it appropriately in decision‑making.
• Consult, liaise and negotiate with all significant parties to the assessment (family, care providers, IMCA, advocates, attorneys, managing authority).
• Make recommendations regarding the appointment of a Relevant Person’s Representative (including paid) and, when necessary, escalate objections to the court.
• Apply knowledge of mental capacity assessment, considering a wide range of factors and emerging case law.
• Present cases at legal hearings, exercising independence, authority and autonomy.
• Ensure managing authorities understand their responsibilities in preventing unlawful deprivation of liberty and provide support to partner agencies.
• Conduct timely reviews of existing deprivations and maintain communication with managing authorities.
• Maintain professional records and provide clear, reasoned reports in accordance with legal requirements.
• Offer advice on Mental Capacity Act and DOLS issues to other BIA’s and professionals.
• Assist delivery of the safeguarding service by quality‑checking complex mental capacity assessments (MCA2s) and advising on commissioning IMCAs.
• Participate in the safeguarding adults duty system as required by the Head of Adult Safeguarding.
• Provide expert advice and support to safeguarding projects as directed by the MCA/DOLS Lead or Head of Adult Safeguarding.
• Respond promptly to urgent situations, including emergencies, protection of property and hospital discharge.
• Work allocated hours flexibly, including occasional out‑of‑hours.
• Commit to continuous workplace learning, including formal training.
• Offer professional guidance and support to BIA DOLS assessors and other qualified staff.
• Advise on the assessment process and provide robust evidence to meet legal criteria.
• Make suggestions/recommendations for amendments to the assessment.
• Promote a positive and professional culture, supporting innovative practice and leading in specialist areas.
• Chair the BIA team and group supervision meetings in the absence of the MCA/DOLS Lead.
• Supervise BIA assessors, including part‑time rota members.
• Chair best‑interest meetings for complex cases requiring Court of Protection referral.
• Coordinate with DOLS administration on new authorisation referrals, prioritising by urgency and suitability.
• Promote a personalised approach, recognising diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Assume any other duties consistent with the grading of the post and team manager’s discretion.
• Contribute to supervision, guidance and professional development training needs.
• Develop working relationships with partners across health, social services and voluntary sectors.
• Integrate changes in law into practice.
• Ensure prompt professional handling of all matters requiring personal attention.
• Support the wider safeguarding team in maintaining quality assurance systems and information capture.
• Office based at least two days a week.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Social Work, Nursing or Occupational Therapy.
• Registered with the relevant professional body (e.g., RSW, Nursing or OT).
• Best Interest Assessor qualification under DOLS (Ready to Practice).
• Approved Mental Health Professional accreditation.
• Minimum three years post‑BIA qualifying experience, with evidence of completing in excess of 30 DOLS assessments.
• Understanding and experience working with older people, people with disabilities (including learning disability), mental health illnesses, acquired brain injury and chronic ill health.
• Knowledge of Equal Opportunities principles and access to services.
• Experience of multi‑disciplinary and integrated working.
• Sound knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, DOLS legislation, Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of the ageing process, disabling conditions, mental health needs and dementia.
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults procedures.
• Demonstrated capabilities against the Social Work PCF at the appropriate level.
• Knowledge of palliative care and bereavement, including end‑of‑life issues.
• Experience working with people who have palliative care needs and those in acute emotional or psychological distress.
• Proven communication skills and ability to build excellent working relationships with other professionals and partner agencies.
• Experience of and understanding of integrated multi‑disciplinary working.
• Appointment to the post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Coaching and mentoring programmes.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays.

Equal Opportunities

As a disability confident employer, Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. The authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.