At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and protect individuals' rights under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's expanding DoLS Service.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and specialist training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while championing human rights.
- Qualifications: Registered professionals with knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Our Team and Make a Real Difference! Due to the expansion of our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Service, we are offering full-time and part-time opportunities for passionate professionals who want to make an impact. Please note: This vacancy will close once all positions have been filled, so early applications are encouraged.
Are you a Registered Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, or Chartered Psychologist with at least two years post‑qualifying experience? Do you have an excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and want to develop this further? If so, Devon County Council’s DoLS Service would love to hear from you!
We have several Best Interests Assessor (BIA) roles available—perfect for either:
- Qualified BIAs looking for their next challenge, or
- Professionals with the right skills and experience who want to train as a BIA and gain specialist skills.
Why Join Us?
As a Best Interests Assessor, you’ll play a vital role in protecting people’s rights. You will:
- Carry out assessments that ensure any deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
- Champion individuals’ human rights, ensuring they are supported and represented.
- Enable people to challenge their care arrangements in the Court of Protection making your work both meaningful and impactful.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS in practice.
- Ability to produce high‑quality, legally robust assessments.
- Analytical skills to evaluate complex information and make sound judgments.
What We Offer:
- Specialist training for the right candidate.
- A chance to be at the forefront of rights‑based practice.
- Flexible working arrangements to support your work‑life balance.
- A supportive team environment where your expertise is valued.
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape practice, uphold rights, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Ready to take the next step? Apply now and join a service that puts people first.
What we can offer you:
- We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career.
- You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
- We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
- Recognition of NHS continuous service for contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions).
- Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part‑time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview).
- Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top‑performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a Best Interest Assessor has never been more attractive.
For further information or an informal discussion about this role please contact:
- Kath Beattie – Team Manager on 07891 140885
- Jen Brooks – Team Manager on 07790 342037
Does the job role include personal care?: No
Working Patterns: TBC
Essential details: Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours etc.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. This role requires a DBS disclosure. This role requires the person to be registered with their relevant professional regulatory body.
Best Interest Assessor in Topsham employer: Proud to Care Devon
Contact Detail:
Proud to Care Devon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor in Topsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of social work, nursing, or psychology. Let them know you're on the lookout for Best Interest Assessor roles—sometimes, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles—show them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor in Topsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you’re excited about being a Best Interests Assessor and how you can make a difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Since we’ll close the vacancy once all positions are filled, applying early gives you the best chance to join our fantastic team at Devon County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proud to Care Devon
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards before your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but also understand how they apply in practice.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've had to assess someone's capacity or advocate for their rights. Sharing these experiences can demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to make sound judgments, which are crucial for a Best Interests Assessor.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in people's lives. Be sure to convey your passion for protecting individuals' rights and how you want to contribute to the DoLS Service. A genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the challenges faced by the DoLS Service. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also keen to understand how you can fit into and enhance the team.