Jobs

 We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS Team! 

This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £46,355 - £50,446 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country.  The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Best Interest Assessor to join our DoLS team.

The role:

Working closely with adults across RBWM, you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Senior Best Interest Assessor (BIA) based within the DoLS Team, completing comprehensive person centred assessments to a high standard, 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.

Why now?

It’s a great time to join RBWM. We’ve started our transformation journey—Living Well Together—a vision shaped by staff that’s about helping residents live well and enabling our teams to work well together in a connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking environment. We’re investing in new roles, new technology, and enhanced learning and development to support our teams and improve outcomes.

Our latest staff survey shows:

• 92% of colleagues feel their work is meaningful
• 87% say their line manager demonstrates the council’s values

But don’t just take our word for it—watch our staff videos to hear directly from our teams about what it’s like to work here:

 Adult social care careers | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Your role will include:

• To line manage and supervise the Best Interest Assessor within the team and provide guidance and case direction for wider social care staff, including the Management Team and day to day oversight of administrative staff.
• To respond to duty queries and requests from practitioners and partner agencies supporting clinical decision making and providing case advise.
• To support the Management Team in the role of Signatories / Authorisers; ensuring legal compliance to developing case law post AGNI judgement.
• To attend legal round table meetings, representing the Supervisory Body and ensuring defensible decision making within the Court of Protection arena.
• Undertake the role of the BIA in line with mental capacity legislation, case law and local policy, completing all supporting assessments within statutory timescales, as outlined within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Support ASC Teams to monitor and promote best 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.

This role will support the Team Manager day to day with triage of new referrals, quality assurance of external reports and responding to operational queries. All staff in the team receive quality, monthly supervision and reflective spaces for shared learning opportunities. The team promotes an open learning culture, positive risk taking and developing confidence with emerging case law.

What we are looking for:

An experienced and enthusiastic BIA who holds a BA, BSc or equivalent qualification such as a Diploma qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing alongside a recognised Best Interests Assessor qualification.

You will have demonstrable post qualification experience with adults, families, carers, and professionals experience and knowledge in undertaking BIA assessments and presenting cases for court. Experience of advocacy involvement issues is essential as is experience and evidence of working to BIA Capabilities; managing competing priorities and challenging family dynamics.

Experience of supervising staff is desirable however we are always keen to grow our own.

A passion for emerging case law and the promotion of Human Rights are essential qualities for any BIA, as is excellent report writing skills.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance. 
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision. 
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. 

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Emma Berry, Service Team Manager emma.berry@rbwm.gov.uk

Company: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Salary: £46,355 - £50,446 per annum

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Sector: Health and Social Care

Sector: Adult Services

Sector: Social Care

Job Role: Support Worker