Advanced Practitioner - MCA DoLs Project Team

We are recruiting to a dedicated project team within our Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Team to support the review of historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications. Established in response to changes in the legal framework following a significant Supreme Court judgment, the team will play a key role in reviewing outstanding DoLS applications, ensuring decisions are lawful, proportionate and person-centred.

Working as part of a specialist, multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to the review, progression and management of historic cases, helping Dorset Council meet its statutory responsibilities while supporting high-quality practice and positive outcomes for people who may be deprived of their liberty. These are, initially, project-specific opportunities focused on delivering an important programme of work within the MCA/DoLS service.

The roles will work closely together under the leadership of the MCA/DoLS Team Manager and contribute to service development, practice improvement and the successful delivery of the project.

As an Advanced Practitioner within Dorset Council's MCA/DoLS Project Team, you will provide professional leadership, specialist advice and quality assurance to support the review of historic Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications. Working closely with Best Interests Assessors and the Assessment Support Coordinator, you will help ensure that assessments and decisions are lawful, evidence-based and person-centred. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to influence practice, support complex decision-making and contribute to an important programme of work within the MCA/DoLS service.

• Provide professional oversight and quality assurance of assessment and review activity.
• Support colleagues with complex, sensitive and high-risk cases.
• Offer specialist advice and guidance on MCA and DoLS practice.
• Promote consistent, legally robust and evidence-based decision-making across the project team.
• Review and scrutinise assessments, records and recommendations to ensure quality standards are met.
• Support the progression and management of historic DoLS applications requiring further review.
• Contribute to the development of local guidance, procedures and best practice.
• Coach, mentor and support staff development within the team.
• Contribute to service improvement, training and quality assurance activities across the MCA/DoLS service.

• Qualified Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Nurse or other relevant professional qualification.
• Significant experience of working within Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards practice.
• Experience of managing complex cases and supporting professional decision-making.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Experience of quality assurance, professional supervision, mentoring or practice leadership.
• Ability to analyse complex information and provide clear professional recommendations.

• Best Interests Assessor qualification.
• Experience of leading or supporting service improvement initiatives.
• Experience of developing guidance, training or professional practice resources.
• Experience using Mosaic or similar electronic case management systems.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence in providing challenge, advice and professional scrutiny.
• Ability to influence and support others to achieve high standards of practice.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, legally compliant and person-centred outcomes.

• This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
• This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• You must have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
• You must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• You must be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post.
• If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert.

This role is UK-based, and we will…