Best Interest Assessor (Qualified Social Worker)

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is currently seeking a Best Interest Assessor (BIA) to join the Adults Social Care division on a bank staff basis. This flexible, as-and-when role is designed for professionals who can provide expert assessment services to meet fluctuating demand. The successful candidate will be responsible for determining whether a deprivation of liberty is occurring, or is likely to occur, for individuals who lack the mental capacity to consent to their placement in a care home or hospital.

Central to this position is the requirement to evaluate whether such a deprivation is in the person’s best interests. By completing these assessments, the BIA performs a vital function within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) framework, providing formal recommendations to the Supervisory Body regarding the necessity of an authorisation, its duration, and any appropriate conditions.

In addition to core assessments, the post holder will implement relevant legislation with a primary focus on the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The role demands a collaborative approach, working alongside various agencies in a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure the seamless protection and coordination of services for vulnerable adults.

Prospective applicants should be aware that this bank staff position requires a degree of flexibility, involving work outside of conventional office hours when necessary. The role also necessitates travel throughout Harrow and neighbouring boroughs to conduct assessments, with occasional long-distance travel required by prior agreement.

The successful candidate will have:

• Working knowledge of:

  • Mental capacity legislation and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), their related codes of practice, national and local policy guidance

  • Relevant parts of other legislation, codes of practice, national and local policy guidance, in particular the Human Rights Act 1998, the Mental Health Acts (MHA) 1983 and 2007, and law/policy related to Adult Safeguarding

• Knowledge of the links between the MCA/DoLS, the Mental Health Act and the protection of adults at risk of abuse within the wider need to recognise people’s right to autonomy.
• Experience of assessing and reviewing older vulnerable adults, people with physical, learning and/or sensory disabilities and their carers, including complex cases where mental capacity has been a key factor.
• Ability to competently assess mental capacity in complex cases, seeking other evidence as appropriate.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to structure own time and to prioritise competing demands.
• Social Work qualification e.g. CSS, CQSW, DipS or equivalent.
• The post qualifying Best Interest Assessor award from a recognised University.
• Registration with Social Work England.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn