Job Description

About the team

Are you passionate about safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals and ensuring compliance with the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)? An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Team, which requires a full time Advanced Practitioner to support the Hertfordshire Supervisory Body. You will be a qualified and experienced

Best Interests Assessor

.



As one of three Advanced Practitioners, you will provide leadership in the role of Best Interests Assessor for the council. This position involves undertaking complex Best Interests assessments and offering supervision and mentorship to both qualified and trainee Best Interests Assessors employed by the council and partner organisations.

About the role

As one of three Advanced Practitioners, you will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping Best Interests practice across the council. Your responsibilities will include:


Undertaking

complex Best Interests assessments

on behalf of the Supervisory Body. Ensuring compliance with DoLS and supporting the wider council in applying legislation relating to Community Deprivation of Liberty. Facilitating and leading

Best Interests Assessor Forums

to share best practice and drive continuous improvement. Working with care providers to enhance their understanding of the DoLS process. Scrutinising assessments to ensure they meet all legal requirements and completing authorisation documentation. Leading and delivering

training sessions

within Hertfordshire County Council and representing the Supervisory Body at external events.

You would be joining an excellent team, receive regular supervision and will have training opportunities to keep your skills and knowledge up to date

About you

Essential

:


Qualified Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Clinical Psychologist Qualified BIA (Best Interests Assessor) In-depth knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards 2009, An understanding of the implications of developing case law.

Desirable

Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role, such as supervising other BIAs or leading peer support groups. Familiarity with triaging cases and prioritising workloads effectively in high-pressure environments Experience of the court of protection process including drafting reports for Section 21A appeals or other legal proceedings. A proactive approach to personal development, including keeping up-to-date with relevant legislation, case law, and best practices. Strong advocacy skills to champion the rights and best interests of individuals who may lack capacity. Ability to foster positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding

This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Driving required

You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.



Job Reference: HCC29069