Lead Interest Assessor

Location:

Craven House, Barrow / South Lakeland House, Kendal/ Voreda House, Penrith

Contract Type:
Fixed term – 12 months

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Westmorland and Furness Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality Best Interests Assessments and reviews in line with the DoLS framework.

As our Lead Best Interests Assessor (BIA), you will act as Lead Practitioner completing Best Interests Assessments in accordance with legislation, regulations, the DoLS code of practice and current case law, along with providing case supervision within the wider team.

Supporting the DoLS team manager and Westmorland and Furness Council in the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), within agreed objectives, and quality and performance standards.

Working effectively with internal and external partners, you will provide training, advice and support to health and social care professionals, as well as Managing Authorities (care homes and hospitals), customers and their families, to improve awareness, practice and processes.

We are looking for an experienced Best Interests Assessor who is committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals, looking to progress and develop in their career.

You will have:

• BIA qualification (with at least two years’ post registration experience)
• Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and related Code of Practice as well as the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and related Code of Practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience of working within safeguarding and multi-agency environments.

Adult Social Care vision is “People living in a place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them.”

We are looking for the right people, with the right values and behaviours to join our teams across Adult Social Care. We’d like to hear more about you, your motivations, interests and values on your application, including what attracted you to this role and how you feel your values relate to the role of Advanced Practitioner - Best Interest Assessor.

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.

Our benefits | Careers ()

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jackie Baldwin, DoLs Team Manager on Jackie.

Baldwin@ or

Closing date: 22nd January 2026

Interview date:
To be confirmed with candidates successful at shortlisting.