Your new role

Key Responsibilities:

• Practice as a Best Interests Assessor.
• Fulfil statutory duties related to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

• Undertake high-level, specialist Best Interests Assessments.
• Respond to incoming referrals for the Medway DoLS Office.

• Follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS 2007 Codes of Practice.
• Align with Department of Health Guidance.

• Perform all duties related to Best Interests Assessment.
• Comply with Medway DoLS Office policies and procedures.

• Work with the Medway DoLS Team Manager on rota planning, release, and leave.
• Ensure swift coordination and deployment of Best Interests Assessors (BIAs).

• Collaborate with Medway DoLS Office colleagues and other BIAs on complex cases.
• Provide support and advice.

• Assist in developing related policy and guidance under the direction of the Medway Council DoLS Team Manager.
• Promote Capacity Assessments, Best Interests Meetings, Supported Decision Making, and good practice in restraint.
• Address the inter-relationships between MCA, DoLS, and safeguarding vulnerable adults and young people.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Best Interests Assessments:
  Conduct high-level, specialist assessments.

• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS):
  Fulfil statutory duties and respond to referrals.

• Legal Compliance:
  Adhere to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, DoLS 2007 Codes of Practice, and Department of Health Guidance.

• Efficient Practice:
  Perform all related duties, following Medway DoLS Office policies and procedures.

• Rota Planning:
  Collaborate with the DoLS Team Manager for planning and coordination.

• Team Collaboration:
  Work with colleagues on complex cases, providing support and advice.

• Policy Development:
  Assist in developing policies and promoting best practices in capacity assessments, decision-making, and safeguarding.

What you'll need to succeed

• Experienced in conducting complex assessments.
• Knowledgeable about legal frameworks and statutory duties.
• Efficient and effective in practice.
• Collaborative and supportive team player.
• Contributes to policy development and promotes good practices.

• An approved mental health professional or
• A social worker registered with the General Social Care Council or
• A first level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses’ Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 or
• An occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001

• Not be suspended from the register or list relevant to the person’s profession
• Have at least two years post registration experience in that profession

• Demonstrate a proven ability to handle complex cases in specific client groups, and to have an expert level of knowledge in health and social care, and local authority statutory obligations.
• Demonstrate highly developed assessment skills, including Best Interests Meetings, Age assessment; No Refusals; Mental Capacity Assessments; Best Interests Assessments; Eligibility
• Demonstrate an expert knowledge of relevant public policy & legislation such as Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards 2007; Mental Health Act 2007, and the Court of Protection, and related codes of practice.
• Be able to keep appropriate records and to provide clear and reasoned reports in accordance with legal requirements and good practice.
• Have the skills necessary to obtain, evaluate and analyse complex evidence and differing views and to weigh them appropriately in decision-making.
• Demonstrate a range of therapeutic skills and intervention techniques

Demonstrate individual and team development skills

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.