Best Interest Assessor

We're looking for Best Interest Assessors (Social Worker), Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Are you looking for a new challenge in Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

We've got some exciting opportunities to join our brilliant team whose ambition is to deliver a high-quality service to the people of Gateshead. Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others, then this could be an opportunity you just don't want to miss.

About the BIA role

You will undertake face to face assessments within the scope of the DoLS legal framework and complete all necessary reports. You will also be undertaking duty (5 consecutive days) on a rota basis, which is office based in the Civic Centre, to provide support to the Supervisory body in screening assessments and referrals.

You will also promote a wider and better understanding for colleagues, of the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty safeguards across health and social care in the Borough of Gateshead.

You need aSocial Work qualification or equivalent i.e. MA or BA in Social Work, Dip SW CQSW or CSS, current registration with Social Work England and Hold a current DoLS Best Interests Assessor qualification and have undertaken DoLS/BIA legal update training within the last twelve month along with a commitment to continuous improvement.

It is also essential that you can demonstrate a commitment to non-discriminatory Practice and equal opportunities.

You will have experience of working with people with complex mental health and physical needs, the monitoring and reviewing process and direct work with vulnerable individuals, along with excellent IT skills and communication skills, and the ability to deal with difficult situations.

Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives.

Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who are in need of support.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights!

You'll be paid a competitive salary £39,186 - £42,403 - plus additional allowances where relevant.
You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme.
You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme.
We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle.
You'll get a generous annual leave package of 26 days annual leave plus 2 statutory days for new employees, rising to 30 days plus 2 statutory days after 5 years continuous local government service.
You have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend, including O2, Virgin Media and Dell
Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme
Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take 2 flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so.
A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:

"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela