Interest Assessor

Location:

Craven House, Barrow / South Lakeland House, Kendal/ Voreda House Penrith

Contract:

Fixed Term - 12 months

Job reference: WMF
2636e

About this opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Westmorland and Furness Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality Best Interests Assessments and reviews inline with the DoLS framework.

As a Best Interests Assessor (BIA), you will play a vital role in safeguarding individuals who fall within the scope of DoLS legislation. Your work will ensure compliance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, by providing expert, evidence-based assessments and professional advice.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Undertake Best Interests Assessments and reviews in accordance with the DoLS framework.
• Ensure assessments are completed within statutory timescales, coordinating the process under the direction of the DoLS Team Manager.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, in line with local and national policy.
• Provide clear, professional advice to support a consistent multi-agency approach.
• Actively promote and represent Westmorland and Furness Council’s DoLS service, both internally and externally.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a qualified Best Interests Assessor who is committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.

You will have:

• Strong knowledge of the MCA, DoLS legislation, and human rights frameworks.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience of working within safeguarding and multi-agency environments.

Adult Social Care vision is “People living in a place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.”

We are looking for the right people, with the right values and behaviours to join our teams across Adult Social Care. We’d like to hear more about you, your motivations, interests and values on your application, including what attracted you to this role and how you feel your values relate to the role of Best Interest Assessor.

What can we offer you!

• Opportunities for continued practice and professional development as a BIA
• Excellent training and development, including access to regular BIA legal updates
• Access to BIA specific peer led reflection groups to share experiences and enhance skills
• Provision of individual BIA supervision
• Flexible working opportunities
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)
• You can also take advantage of the Councils Vehicle Leasing Salary Sacrifice Scheme – designed to make motoring simple, affordable, and greener!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance, and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers ()