Job summaryThis is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £46,355 - £50,446 per annum.
Main duties of the jobWorking 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 persons best interests, as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Code of Practice and subsequent case law.
About usThe 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.
Job responsibilities- 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 advise.
- 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. All staff in the team receive quality, monthly supervision and reflective spaces for shared learning opportunities. The team promotes an open learning culture, positive risk taking and developing confidence with emerging case law.
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential- 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.
- Experience of supervising staff is desirable however we are always keen to grow our own.
- A passion for emerging case law and the promotion of Human Rights are essential qualities for any BIA, as is excellent report writing skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
