Locum Adults Trusted Assessor

Job Title: Best Interest Assessor

Location: Barnet Council – Colindale

Area: North London Social Services

Salary: £negotiable

Job Type: Locum

Contract Length: Ongoing

Working pattern: Hybrid working

Job overview:

Barnet Council is seeking an experienced Best Interest Assessor (BIA) to support the delivery of a high-quality,
responsive Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) service. This is a key statutory
role within Adult Social Care, ensuring that vulnerable adults are safeguarded and that any deprivation of liberty
is lawful, proportionate, and in the individual’s best interests.

The post holder will work closely with the Lead Practitioner (MCA/DoLS) and wider Adult Social Care teams,
contributing to effective operational management of the service and promoting best practice in line with
legislation, policy, and professional standards.

Main duties and responsibilities:

•  
  • Carry out complex and detailed Best Interest Assessments for vulnerable adults in care homes, hospitals and other settings in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005
     

  • Determine whether individuals are being deprived of their liberty and, if so, whether this is necessary, proportionate and in their best interests
     

  • Work closely with the Lead Practitioner (MCA/DoLS) to support the efficient operational management of the MCA/DoLS service
     

  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality, timely, safe and legally robust Best Interest Assessments, remaining accountable to the Supervisory Body
     

  • Provide a high standard of professional practice to adults and their carers, working collaboratively with colleagues across Communities, Adults and Health services
     

  • Undertake work in line with the Council’s statutory duties and powers under the Care Act 2014
     

  • Apply relevant policies, procedures, professional guidelines and the Code of Practice for social care workers
     

  • Identify, respond to and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately, promoting Making Safeguarding Personal principles
     

  • Promote the wellbeing, rights and wishes of adults and carers at all times
     

  • Maintain accurate, timely and legally compliant records and reports

   

  Key requirements:

   

  •  
    • Qualified and approved Best Interest Assessor
       

    • Strong working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS framework
       

    • Experience completing complex Best Interest Assessments across a range of settings
       

    • Good understanding of the Care Act 2014 and adult safeguarding practice
       

    • Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team
       

    • Excellent analytical, report-writing and communication skills

    Code:  U. OR22334.002002.  B19594