Senior Social Worker / Best Interests Assessor

Are you an experienced Senior Social Worker and qualified Best Interests Assessor looking for your next contract opportunity?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker / Best Interests Assessor (BIA) to join our Adult Social Care DoLS Team on a 3 to 6-month contract.

This is a key role supporting the service in responding to the implications of the recent AGNI Supreme Court ruling, ensuring deprivation of liberty assessments, authorisations and care planning are compliant with statutory requirements and emerging case law.

This opportunity would suit a highly skilled practitioner with extensive experience of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), Court of Protection practice, and Best Interests Assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the screening and triage of DoLS referrals to ensure AGNI compliance.
• Review and quality assure assessments, supporting signatories with decision-making and authorisation processes.
• Prepare and complete Form 5 authorisation documentation.
• Identify and promote less restrictive alternatives where individuals may be unlawfully deprived of their liberty.
• Provide expert advice, guidance and consultation to practitioners, Best Interests Assessors, Managing Authorities and partner agencies.
• Support the development of service practice in line with the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS legislation, emerging case law and upcoming Liberty Protection Safeguards.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes, risk management and person-centred decision making.
• Work collaboratively with health partners, care providers and multi-agency professionals to improve outcomes for adults with care and support needs.
• Maintain high-quality recording, reporting and case management standards.

About You

• To be successful in this role you will have:
• Social Work England registration.
• Qualified Social Worker status (Degree in Social Work, DipSW or equivalent).
• Current Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification.
• Significant experience within Adult Social Care and DoLS services.
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Court of Protection practice.
• Experience undertaking and quality assuring complex assessments.
• Excellent report writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide professional leadership, guidance and support to colleagues and partner agencies.
• Experience working within safeguarding frameworks and managing complex risk.
• Strong partnership-working and communication skills.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting AGNI compliance across the service.
• Join a well-established Adult Social Care team committed to strengths-based practice.
• Meaningful work influencing service development and best practice.

Interested?

Apply today or contact (url removed) for more information.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.