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- Tasks: Lead Best Interests Assessments and support the DoLS team in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to community wellbeing and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: BIA qualification with two years' experience and strong knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Craven House, Barrow / South Lakeland House, Kendal / Voreda House, Penrith
Contract Type: Fixed term – 12 months
About this opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Westmorland and Furness Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality Best Interests Assessments and reviews in line with the DoLS framework.
As our Lead Best Interests Assessor (BIA), you will act as Lead Practitioner completing Best Interests Assessments in accordance with legislation, regulations, the DoLS code of practice and current case law, along with providing case supervision within the wider team.
Supporting the DoLS team manager and Westmorland and Furness Council in the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), within agreed objectives, and quality and performance standards.
Working effectively with internal and external partners, you will provide training, advice and support to health and social care professionals, as well as Managing Authorities (care homes and hospitals), customers and their families, to improve awareness, practice and processes.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for an experienced Best Interests Assessor who is committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals, looking to progress and develop in their career.
You will have:
- BIA qualification (with at least two years’ post registration experience)
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Code of Practice as well as the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and related Code of Practice.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Experience of working within safeguarding and multi-agency environments.
Adult Social Care vision is “People living in a place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.”
We are looking for the right people, with the right values and behaviours to join our teams across Adult Social Care. We’d like to hear more about you, your motivations, interests and values on your application, including what attracted you to this role and how you feel your values relate to the role of Advanced Practitioner - Best Interest Assessor.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jackie Baldwin, DoLs Team Manager on Jackie.Baldwin@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or 07795 287460.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 22nd January 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed with candidates successful at shortlisting.
Lead Best Interest Assessor in Penrith employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Best Interest Assessor in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially roles like Lead Best Interests Assessor. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the DoLS team’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your motivations and values. They want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info about the perks and benefits of working with us at Westmorland and Furness Council right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Best Interest Assessor in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about the Lead Best Interests Assessor role! Share your motivations and how they align with our vision of supporting vulnerable individuals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your BIA qualification and any relevant experience you have, especially in safeguarding and multi-agency environments. We want to see how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work as a Best Interests Assessor. Highlight situations where you’ve made critical decisions or provided training to others. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to lead within a team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing complex topics in an understandable way.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Adult Social Care vision and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to share why you’re passionate about protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals during the interview.
