Best Interest Assessor - Adult Social Care
- Devon
- Multiple Terms
- £39,862 - £44,075 per annum, pro rata
Join Our Team and Make a Real Difference!
Due to the expansion of our Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Service, we are offering full-time and part-time opportunities for passionate professionals who want to make an impact.
Are you a Registered Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, or Chartered Psychologist with at least two years post-qualifying experience?
Do you have an excellent working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and want to develop this further?
If so, Devon County Council’s DoLS Service would love to hear from you!
We have several Best Interests Assessor (BIA) roles available—perfect for either:
- Qualified BIAs looking for their next challenge, or
- For the right candidate with an existing detailed knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) along with the necessary skills and experience required to undertake the specialist BIA training.
Why Join Us?
As a Best Interests Assessor, you’ll play a vital role in protecting people’s rights. You will:
- Carry out assessments that ensure any deprivation of liberty is necessary, proportionate and lawful.
- Champion individuals’ human rights, ensuring they are supported and represented.
- Enable people to challenge their care arrangements in the Court of Protection making your work both meaningful and impactful.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS in practice.
- Ability to produce high-quality, legally robust assessments.
- Analytical skills to evaluate complex information and make sound judgments.
What We Offer
- Specialist training for candidates who demonstrate a detailed practice experience, knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 during the recruitment process.
- A chance to be at the forefront of rights-based practice.
- Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
- A supportive team environment where your expertise is valued.
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape practice, uphold rights, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now and join a service that puts people first.
What we can offer you
- We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
- 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
- Recognition of NHS continuous service for contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions)
- Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
- Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
- Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.
- As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a best Interest assessor has never been more attractive.
- Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.
For further information or an informal discussion about this role please contact:
- Kath Beattie - Team Manager (Tues-Fri) on 07891 140885 or katherine.beattie@devon.gov.uk
- Sean McKeown – Team Manager (Mon-Weds) on 07483 454 553 or sean.mckeown@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to view the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure
- This role requires the person to be registered with their relevant professional regulatory body.
Integrated Adult Social Care
REQ01454
Interview Date: W/C 19/10/2026
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationDevon
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
REQ010454
- Occupational GroupSocial Care & Health
- Salary Details
£39,862 - £44,075 per annum, pro rata
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull TimePart Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
03/10/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes