Job Description

SOCIAL WORKER - BEST INTEREST ASSESSOR

Department: Population and Wellbeing

Grade: M1

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Social Worker - Best interest assessor.

PURPOSE OF POST:

Working closely with adults within the Borough of Luton, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Best Interest Assessor (BIA) / Court of Protection (CoP) Social Worker in the Adult Safeguarding Team, completing comprehensive person centred assessments to a high standard in determining whether applications made by Managing Authorities to deprive a person of their liberty meet the legal criterion and are in the person's best interests, as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Code of Practice and subsequent case law.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertake the role of the BIA / CoP Social Worker in line with legislation, case law and local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Obtaining, evaluating and analysing complex evidence and differing views and weighing them appropriately in decision making, you will identify and action a proposed deprivation of liberty, assessing whether or not this is within best interest and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body or Court of Protection
• Monitor, and support ASC Community Teams to monitor practice, to ensure recommended conditions are adhered to in accordance with legislation and case law, undertaking timely reviews and / or renewals of existing DoLS and CoP authorisation's, ensuring appropriate contact and communication is maintained with Managing Authorities
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate case records, producing high quality reports and correspondence for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, court, meetings, panels, conferences and other agencies
• Take accountability of decisions and judgements made in carrying out the duties of the role, presenting cases at legal hearings and exercising the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy, using it to inform practice, together with consultation and supervision
• Make appropriate recommendations regarding the appointment of Relevant Persons Representative in line with legislation and to escalate any objection cases to the Court of Protection in line with case law
• Demonstrate through your practice a strong commitment and comprehensive understanding of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, including critical reflection and analysis of challenging cases, changing contexts at local and national levels, awareness of current issues and evidence based practice research. You will use this knowledge to provide professional support, education, advice and guidance to staff across various agencies in Luton and members of the public
• Assist the Specialist DoLS Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner in helping staff to develop skills and expertise in the areas of mental capacity, deprivation of liberty and safeguarding, providing coaching and mentoring to social care staff, as requested
• Maintain efficient and reliable liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as Council departments, having particular regard to effective working relationships in ensuring Managing Authorities are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring no person is deprived of their liberty without lawful authorisation

SKILLS and EXPERIENCES:

• Demonstrable post qualification experience with adults, families, carers and professionals

• Able to undertake challenging and high risk assessments, identifying degrees of priority and urgency, accurately applying legal reasoning and making sound professional judgements, keeping and maintaining high quality records on the case recording system

• Able to analyse conflicting information, giving appropriate weighting in decision making

• Able to act as an independent practitioner, exercising the appropriate use of authority and autonomy to promote sensitive ethical practice which acknowledges any potential conflict
• Able to assess and manage risk and conflict to produce positive and proportionate outcomes for individuals

• Able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals and representatives of other agencies working with or in the best interests of vulnerable adults

• Recognised Social Work qualification

• Post qualification module(s) or diploma in social work, with a demonstrable commitment to undertake further professional development

• Qualified Best Interest Assessor

• Current Health and Care Professions Council Registration (HCPC)

• Flexible and able to occasionally work outside normal office hours in a range of public or private settings

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Clearance

Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.