Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Hourly Rate: £39.00 per hour
Contract Type: Locum / Contract
About the Role
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Best Interests Assessor (BIA) / DoLS Reviewer to join a busy and supportive Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) team in Rotherham.
In this crucial safeguarding role, you will be responsible for undertaking statutory DoLS assessments and reviews. Your expertise will ensure that the fundamental human rights of vulnerable adults are rigorously upheld, and that any deprivation of liberty is lawful, proportionate, and strictly in their best interests.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive, high-quality, and legally robust Best Interests Assessments (BIA) and reviews in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the DoLS Code of Practice.
- Evaluate whether individuals are being deprived of their liberty, ensuring that any care arrangements are the least restrictive options available.
- Engage and consult extensively with service users, families, carers, Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs), and multidisciplinary professionals.
- Manage complex cases, providing expert guidance on relevant case law and assisting with Section 21A court challenges and appeals where necessary.
- Produce accurate, detailed, and well-evidenced statutory reports for the Supervisory Body within tight legislative timeframes.
Essential Requirements
- Professional Qualification: A recognized qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Psychology.
- BIA Qualification: Must hold a formal, recognized Best Interests Assessor (BIA) certificate and be up to date with mandatory annual BIA legal refresher training.
- Registration: Active and restriction-free registration with your relevant regulatory body (Social Work England, NMC, or HCPC).
- Experience: Demonstrable post-qualifying experience carrying out or scrutinizing DoLS assessments as a BIA within a Local Authority or Supervisory Body setting.
- Expert Knowledge: A deep understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Human Rights Act 1998, and significant legal precedents (e.g., the Cheshire West ruling).
- Travel: A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are preferred to facilitate face-to-face assessments across the Rotherham area.
What We Offer
- An excellent and highly competitive locum rate of £39.00 per hour.
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and the potential for a compressed or part-time schedule to support a healthy work-life balance.
- Regular, reflective supervision and support from an experienced management team.
- The opportunity to make a vital difference in protecting the rights of the most vulnerable members of the Rotherham community.
How to Apply:
If you are a passionate safeguarding professional with the expertise to champion human rights, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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