Best Interest Assessor (BIA)

Job Introduction

About Us

We are looking for a highly motivated BIA to complement the existing knowledge and skills mix within our Team. The Team consists of BIA's from a variety of backgrounds such as Social workers, Occupational Therapists, and Nurses.

Our office base is The Meadows in Didcot, but we work mainly from home, attending the office or other bases when required.

We are responsible for the DoLS Assessments funded by Oxfordshire or those in self-funded placement in Oxfordshire, and also out of county placements where the funding is from Oxfordshire.

About the Role

The role is to complete a range of assessments both complex, and those requiring a rapid response such as those required by the Court of Protection. The role involves competing a mix of face to face and remote assessments where the situation allows. Some travelling out of county will be necessary.

The BIA Annual Legal Refresher will be provided to ensure you remain up to date with caselaw. We also run BIA policy meetings and peer supervision sessions to help you develop your practice.

We are constantly looking at innovative ways to boost productivity within the team. Team BIA's must be able to work in a pressurised environment and be able to produce quality assessments in line with key targets.

The Team also acts as a specialist advice and information point for other teams within Oxfordshire County Council and for Care homes within our area.

There is expectation that the successful candidate will be able to assist the team in developing better relationships with our providers.

About you

You must be a qualified BIA (either SW, OT or Nursing by profession) with a proven background in completing accurate assessments in a timely manner. You will be able to evidence that you have worked as a BIA for at least a year, and that you can perform to given targets. You must be able to work independently but also be able to be part of a supportive team.

Rewards and benefits

Oxfordshire County Council have a pension scheme, and generous leave entitlement.

We advise early applications as the advert may close at our discretion once adequate interest has been received.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: robert.barton@oxfordshire.gov.uk