At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments to ensure the best interests of individuals lacking mental capacity.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, committed to safeguarding and supporting citizens.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on equality and challenging discrimination.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Must hold Best Interests Assessor award and relevant social work qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 49282 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Worker Type: Hybrid worker
Salary: Starting Salary is £46,142 rising to £49,282 per annum (pro rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Location: Clifton Cornerstone, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, Nottingham NG11 8EW, Working from home is available for part of the working week subject to business needs.
About the Role
A vacancy for a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) exists within the Nottingham City Council DoLS team. It is expected that this role will continue when DoLS changes to the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) scheme. The post holder will then be supported to continue practicing as an Approved Mental Capacity Professional (AMCP). We welcome applications from Social Workers who hold the Best Interests Assessor award and have experience of BIA practice. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Team completes DoLS assessments for citizens that may lack mental capacity to make decisions about their own care and provision. BIAs in this team must meet annual requirements for re‑approval to act in this role. They conduct legally compliant, clearly evidenced assessments and participate on a duty rota. They sometimes liaise with the Court of Protection and the Council’s legal team and may provide information on behalf of the Council to legal proceedings.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Relevant professional qualification, professional registration and Best Interest Assessor award.
- Enhanced knowledge, currency and experience of applying relevant legal, policy frameworks and practice guidance which inform and mandate the Best Interests Assessor role.
- Enhanced knowledge of Best Interests Assessor practice, completing assessments where there are complex issues or individual rights and public interest / statutory duties are in conflict.
- Evidence of a range of approaches to challenge discrimination and inequalities.
- A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.
Social Worker Level 4 employer: Nottingham City Council
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Level 4
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to Best Interests Assessor roles. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your past assessments and how you've navigated complex issues. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and understanding of the legal frameworks involved in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Level 4
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Best Interests Assessor role. We want to see how your skills and qualifications fit the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the legal frameworks and policies that guide the BIA role. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their knowledge and experience in applying these principles in practice.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to review everything before hitting send. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legal frameworks and policies relevant to the Best Interests Assessor role. Being able to discuss how you apply these in practice will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but you can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully conducted assessments or navigated complex issues. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about hypothetical situations related to BIA practice. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and how you would approach them, especially those involving individual rights and public interest conflicts.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Equality
Discuss your approaches to challenge discrimination and inequalities in your previous roles. This is crucial for a Social Worker, and showing your dedication to these values will resonate well with the interviewers.