Best Interest Assessor
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.
We have a great opportunity for a Best Interest Assessor on a full time, permanent basis.
About you…
We are looking for someone who can independently assess under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and ensure care arrangements follow the law. We need someone who has good communication and relationship building skills, is adept at working alongside individuals, their families and/or advocates and partner agencies, and be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of The Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, Mental Health Act and Data Protection Act.
You must hold a current DoLS Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification, have at least 2 years experience of carrying out the Best Interest Assessor role which includes recent experience of completing these assessments (within the last year). You must also have undertaken annual DoLS/BIA legal update training within the last twelve months. A driving licence is crucial for this role.
About the team…
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified, enthusiastic and capable Best Interest Assessor to join our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team in Bracknell. We are a supportive team that is passionate in our approach to our work.
Reporting to the DoLS Lead, you will be working alongside a larger team of experienced and knowledgeable safeguarding professionals which includes the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards team and the Strategic Adult Safeguarding team. It is a role where there is team commitment to continuous improvement and where your expertise and knowledge matter and make an impact.
Key responsibilities…
- Conduct independent assessments under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Review restrictive care arrangements to ensure they follow the law and protect service users rights.
- Promote understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards among health and social care professionals, service users and carers.
- Treat everyone fairly and with respect, using a strength-based approach.
- Build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies and encourage teamwork.
Our benefits…
- 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days*.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
*(pro rata for part time)
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on 30thSeptember 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please email Dols.Application@Bracknell-Forest.gov.uk and provide us with your contact details and either Dawn (DoLS Lead/Senior Social Worker) or Dionne (Head of Safeguarding) will get back to you.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
Candidates must provide evidence of appropriate Social Work/Nursing/Occupational Therapist qualification or Chartered Psychologist with 2 years post qualified experience, plus current registration with appropriate body (Social Work England etc) and a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification inline with the DoLS legislation.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working within the current Social Care System and Framework.
Social Work England registration fees can be claimed back from the Council.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Salary range
- £43,463 - £48,873 per year