At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead assessments and support adults in making informed decisions about their care.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a vibrant and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant qualification and experience in Best Interest Assessments.
The predicted salary is between 46355 - 50446 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS Team! This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £46,355 - £50,446 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.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS team.
The role: Working closely with adults across RBWM, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Senior 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.
Your role will include:
- To line manage and supervise the Best Interest Assessor within the team and provide guidance and case direction for wider social care staff, including the Management Team and day to day oversight of administrative staff.
- To respond to duty queries and requests from practitioners and partner agencies supporting clinical decision making and providing case advice.
- To support the Management Team in the role of Signatories / Authorisers; ensuring legal compliance to developing case law post AGNI judgement.
- To attend legal round table meetings, representing the Supervisory Body and ensuring defensible decision making within the Court of Protection arena.
- 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).
- 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.
- This role will support the Team Manager day to day with triage of new referrals, quality assurance of external reports and responding to operational queries.
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; managing competing priorities and challenging family dynamics. 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
Senior Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team) in Thatcham employer: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and personal development. As a Weekend Library Advisor, you will enjoy flexible part-time hours, competitive benefits including annual leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of library users across various locations in the Borough.
Contact Details:
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Best Interest Assessor (DoLS Team) in Thatcham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior 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 The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Royal Borough of Windsor & 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 The Royal Borough of Windsor & 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.
