At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our DoLS Team as a Best Interest Assessor, conducting vital assessments for adults.
- Company: Be part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a vibrant and innovative community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a relevant qualification and have experience in BIA assessments.
The predicted salary is between 39526 - 43613 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS Team! This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £39,526 - £43,613 per annum.
About us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS team.
The role: Working closely with adults across RBWM, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Best Interest Assessor (BIA) based within the DoLS Team, completing comprehensive person centred assessments to a high standard, 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.
Why now? It’s a great time to join RBWM. We’ve started our transformation journey—Living Well Together—a vision shaped by staff that’s about helping residents live well and enabling our teams to work well together in a connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking environment. We’re investing in new roles, new technology, and enhanced learning and development to support our teams and improve outcomes.
Your role will include:
- Undertake the role of the BIA in line with mental capacity 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 criteria and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection.
- Support ASC Teams to monitor and promote best practice, to ensure recommended conditions are adhered to in accordance with legislation and case law, undertaking timely reviews and/or renewals of existing DoLS and CoP authorisations, ensuring appropriate contact and communication is maintained with Managing Authorities.
What we are looking for:
- An experienced and enthusiastic BIA who holds a BA, BSc or equivalent qualification such as a Diploma qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing alongside a recognised Best Interests Assessor qualification.
- You will have demonstrable post qualification experience with adults, families, carers, and professionals, experience and knowledge in undertaking BIA assessments and presenting cases for court.
- Experience of advocacy involvement issues is essential as is experience and evidence of working to BIA Capabilities.
- A passion for emerging case law and the promotion of Human Rights are essential qualities for any BIA, as is excellent report writing skills.
What we offer:
- 32 days annual leave.
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Emma Berry, Service Team Manager emma.berry@rbwm.gov.uk
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.
Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team) in Thatcham employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that values leadership and innovation in public service. With a commitment to employee well-being, the council provides generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave and a robust Local Government Pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team culture. This hybrid role not only allows for flexibility but also places you at the heart of community development, making it a truly rewarding position.
Contact Details:
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team) in Thatcham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team) in Thatcham
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 Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead! 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 Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
✨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.
