Best Interest Assessor (BIA Social Worker) in Gateshead

Lead best interest decisions with confidence, compassion and integrity. Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.

As a Best Interest Assessor (BIA Social Worker), you will play a vital role in upholding the rights, dignity and autonomy of some of our most vulnerable adults across Gateshead. Working within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the Mental Capacity Act, you will carry out high‑quality best interest assessments in care homes and hospitals, ensuring lawful, person‑centred decision‑making. You’ll be a trusted professional voice, balancing risk, legal duties and individual wishes, while supporting colleagues and partner agencies to develop confident, lawful practice. This is an opportunity to make a real difference every day, using your expertise to safeguard freedoms, influence quality of care and strengthen professional practice across health and social care.

What you’ll get to do:

• Undertake face to face Best Interest assessments within the scope of the DoLS legal framework in the care home or hospital setting.
• Promote a wider and better understanding for colleagues, of the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty safeguards across health and social care in the Borough of Gateshead.
• Undertake mandatory and other training as required by the Local Authority and in some circumstances as identified by the Line Manager.
• Act in a professional manner and follow the code of professional conduct.
• Adhere to the codes of practice, to their continued professional standards and development and take responsibility for maintaining professional registration.
• Ensure that Health and Safety responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Council/Service health and safety policy and procedures.
• Undertake duty functions on a rota basis, office based in the Civic Centre, to provide support to the Supervisory body in screening assessments and referrals and responding to telephone queries.
• Undertake annual care home reviews to ensure the care and support plan continues to meet current care needs, as the Local Authority has a duty to do so under the Care Act 2014.
• Contribute to the development of other workers including students, newly qualified Best Interest Assessors and staff who are developing their practice.
• Take on other responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post. Due to the nature of the role this may include working across teams and locations and outside of standard working hours.
• Work in an effective partnership with other agencies and professionals.
• Maintain the Local Authority’s social care database including accurate recording of case observations.

What you’ll bring:

• Qualified Social Worker (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS), with current registration with Social Work England and Best Interest Assessor Qualification.
• Evidence of recent DoLS/BIA legal update training (within the last 12 months) and a clear commitment to continuous professional development and mandatory local authority training.
• Proven experience working directly with vulnerable adults, including people with complex mental health and physical needs, and managing challenging situations.
• Experience of undertaking assessments, including Best Interest Assessments, reviewing care plans, monitoring outcomes, and managing risk in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act (amended 2007), Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, safeguarding legislation, and hospital discharge guidance.
• Ability to interpret and apply social care legislation to practice, analyse information, assess risk and need, and make defensible decisions in line with eligibility criteria and statutory responsibilities.
• Effective workload management skills, including prioritising tasks, managing competing demands, and demonstrating excellent IT, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to person-centred, strengths-based, non‑discriminatory practice, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies while using initiative.
• Commitment to a DBS check and an enhanced Disclosure application.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Co‑wheels: Access pool cars, including electric vehicles, with guaranteed parking, making it easy and cost‑effective to travel to meetings and sites not easily accessible by public transport.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.