Best Interest Assessor

Are you an experienced Best Interest Assessor looking for a new opportunity within a dynamic and supportive Adult Social Care team? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated professional to join our Safeguarding Adults Team, reporting to the Service Manager Safeguarding Adults, to contribute to the delivery of high-quality assessments and ensure the best interests of individuals are upheld.

The Role

As a Best Interest Assessor, you will play a crucial role in:

• Conducting best interest assessments in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Working collaboratively with individuals, families, and other professionals to gather relevant information for assessments
• Making recommendations regarding the best interests of individuals
• Ensuring that the rights and wishes of individuals are respected and promoted
• Providing advice and guidance regarding mental capacity and best interest decisions
• Contributing to the safeguarding of adults by identifying and reporting concerns
• Supporting the delivery of an effective, high-quality service

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Qualified Best Interest Assessor with relevant experience 
• In-depth knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated legislation
• Strong assessment and analytical skills
• Experience working within a safeguarding context, with the ability to identify and manage risks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with strong organisational skills and an ability to prioritise effectively
• Ability to work independently but also collaboratively with individuals, families and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Reflective practitioner with a commitment to continuous professional development

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities 
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service. 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

In addition, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community.

For an informal discussion to learn more about the role, please contact Sue Brain on 01635 519736 or email sue.brain1@westberks.gov.uk.

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here:

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications