BIA Social Workers

The job itself

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is seeking two experienced and motivated Best Interests Assessors (BIA) to join our Adult Social Care service at an exciting and transformative time.

Following the Attorney General Northern Ireland (AGNI) ruling and the evolving legal framework surrounding deprivation of liberty, we are expanding our dedicated workforce to support the delivery of robust, legally compliant assessments across the East Riding and beyond.

These permanent posts offer an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals who are passionate about upholding the rights, freedoms and wellbeing of adults who may lack capacity to make specific decisions about their care and accommodation.

As a Best Interests Assessor, you will undertake a varied and rewarding caseload, playing a key role in supporting the Council's response to deprivation of liberty responsibilities and the implications of the Attorney General Northern Ireland (AGNI) ruling. Your responsibilities will include:

• Completing both desktop and face-to-face Best Interests Assessments in accordance with current legislation, case law and local procedures.
• Undertaking assessments arising from the Attorney General Northern Ireland (AGNI) ruling.
• Reviewing and reassessing cases that were previously authorised or assessed prior to the AGNI judgment.
• Working collaboratively with providers, social workers, health professionals, families and advocates to ensure lawful and person-centred decision making.
• Providing clear, evidence-based professional reports and recommendations.
• Contributing to the authority's compliance with statutory duties relating to deprivation of liberty and mental capacity legislation.
• Supporting the continuous development of best practice across Adult Social Care.
• Undertaking duty responsibilities, including the receipt, screening and triage of referrals to determine whether cases meet the threshold for progression to a Best Interests Assessment.
• Providing professional advice and guidance to practitioners, providers and partner agencies regarding deprivation of liberty and Mental Capacity Act requirements.
• Undertaking duty responsibilities, including the receipt, screening and triage of referrals to determine whether cases meet the threshold for progression to a Best Interests Assessment.
• Providing professional advice and guidance to practitioners, providers and partner agencies regarding deprivation of liberty and Mental Capacity Act requirements.
• Managing and prioritising a complex caseload to meet statutory timescales and service demands.

The role covers the whole of the East Riding of Yorkshire and will also involve assessments of East Riding residents placed in residential and nursing settings across the United Kingdom. Travel will therefore be a key requirement of the post.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Hold an approved Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• Are a registered with Social Work England
• Have a minimum of 2 years' experience of applying the Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty legislation in practice.
• Possess excellent assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Can manage a diverse caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Demonstrate strong partnership working and communication skills.
• Are committed to promoting the rights, dignity and independence of adults with care and support needs.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle suitable for business use.

In return, East Riding of Yorkshire Council offers:

• A permanent position within a supportive and experienced team.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where service needs allow.
• A comprehensive induction
• Regular professional supervision
• Excellent training opportunities within an organisation that embraces a learning culture and promotes career advancement
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering services in response to changing legal requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a service that is at the forefront of implementing changes arising from the AGNI ruling. You will have the chance to influence practice, support legal compliance, and make a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable adults and their families.