Purpose of the post
•Ensure that the people of Gwynedd are at the heart of everything we do.
•Be a best interest assessor in response to the requirements of Protection from Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) and to the Cheshire West ruling
•Assisting the Co-ordinator in co-ordinating the assessment and authorisation process on behalf of a Supervisory Body; Gwynedd Council
Responsibility for functions
•Not specific but the holder is expected to be aware of the financial context of Cyngor Gwynedd
Main duties
•Practice within the relevant legislative frameworks and guidance that underpin the provision of social services in Wales
• Implement the professional code of practice as a registered professional
• Have the latest information and maintain your own professional development.
• Manage and be accountable for your own work.
•Collaborate within multidisciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams, networks and systems
• Reinforce and develop the skills and knowledge gained through formal qualifications through the mentoring and guidance of experienced practitioners. Attend relevant first 3 years workshops of practice and complete the Confirmation Programme. Work with the mentor to develop practice.
•Completion and success in relation to Best Interest Assessor training.
•To carry out Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interests Assessments for people in care homes or in hospitals under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (DGM), Deprivation of Liberty Protection Arrangements (DoLS) and Supreme Court and Court of Protection case law in relation to deprivation of liberty.
•To carry out Mental Capacity and Best Interest Assessments for people in the community to be submitted and authorised by the Court of Protection.
•Undertake Best Interest Assessor (ABG) responsibilities as determined by the DGM, DoLS and associated legislation, national codes of practice and national and local guidance.
•Complete any training that may arise from a change to Deprivation of Liberty Protection Arrangements (DoLS).
• Conduct DoLS assessments within the appropriate timescales across a range of adult service user groups and settings and record all these assessments appropriately and in a timely manner, and support the formal authorisation process in relation to Deprivation of Liberty.
• Provide expert advice and training and act as a resource for the DGM and DoLs and their implications for a range of organisations and individuals.
•Managing a load of complex, diverse and rapidly changing cases, including those relating to adult protection and risk and mental capacity issues. This will include managing sensitive, emotional and contentious issues and decisions with clients, relatives and carers, some of whom will seek resolution in the Court of Protection.
•Execute an intention to Deprivation of Liberty within timescales specified by law and weigh and measure whether or not it is in the best interest of doing so, and submit relevant reports to the Supervisory Body and, where appropriate, to the Court of Protection.
•Obtaining, evaluating, analysing complex evidence and different perspectives and evaluating them appropriately in decision making.
•Consult, liaise and negotiate with those involved in a Best Interest Assessment, including all significant parties: the relevant person, family, friends, those involved in the person's care, Advocate, Representative, Solicitor or Deputy, Managing Authority. Ensure a primary interest perspective and independent and informed decision making.
•Make appropriate recommendations regarding the appointment of a Representative of Relevant Persons, (including those held) in accordance with regulations, as well as the referral of any objection cases to the court of protection in accordance with case law.
•Use information on assessing mental capacity in accordance with the legal frameworks taking into account a wide range of factors, including current and new case law. Understand the implications of mental incapacity for people who commission and use services, families and carers and service providers.
•To present cases at legal hearings and to exercise the appropriate use of independence, authority and autonomy in order to inform practice as a Best Interest Assessor, as well as to consult and supervise.
•Ensure that Managing Authorities are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring that no one is deprived of liberty without legal authority and provide advice and support to all partner agencies.
•Conduct timely reviews of Deprivation of Liberty authorisations ensuring that contact is maintained and communicated appropriately with Managing Authorities.
•Maintain appropriate professional records and provide clear and logical reports in accordance with legal requirements and good practice.
•Responding appropriately to emergency situations, including emergencies, Property Protection and hospital discharge, to ensure that service users and carers receive the support they need.
•Ensure that comprehensive and accurate case and IT records are kept, in accordance with agreed fieldwork practices.
•Produce case reports and correspondence for a variety of audiences including, where appropriate, meetings, conferences, courts, panels and other agencies.
•To act as a role model for continuing professional and technical development and to maintain broad knowledge of social care, as well as cross-service expertise in the designated specialist knowledge area. This may include acting as a supervisor and mentor for those undergoing Best Interest Assessor training.
•Maintain efficient and reliable liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies as well as other Council departments, with particular regard to effective working relationships with providers of residential, nursing and community services in the statutory and independent sectors.
•Assist in monitoring the work of the Independent Advocacy Service in relation to Mental Capacity and make recommendations on future service developments where appropriate.
•Identify, investigate and manage potential safeguarding concerns, and other high-risk situations where the citizen's safety or freedom is at risk, escalating as appropriate so that citizens can take risks while protecting them from abuse, managing the risks to staff and the Council.
•Promote equal opportunity and diversity for all employees and service users in line with Council policies and practices.
•Participate in the Council's staff development programme and attend relevant training courses and be aware of new ideas, new legislation in the area of safeguarding.
•Engage in supervision with the team manager.
•Attend multi-disciplinary meetings, case conferences, liaise with community agencies and represent the team on relevant committees/groups.
•Comply with all Council and Department policies and procedures.
•This job description may be reviewed from time to time and should not be regarded as an exhaustive list of responsibilities attached to the post but solely as an expression of the principal duties.
•Responsibility for self-development.
•Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
•Operate within the Council’s policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
•Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
•Commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions in accordance with the Carbon Management Plan, and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council’s Carbon Footprint.
•Undertake any other reasonable duty which corresponds to the salary level and responsibility level of the job.
•Responsibility to report any concern or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused.
Special circumstances
•The need to work unsociable hours occasionally. ‎
•The post holder will be expected to be involved in any arrangements established on a rota basis.