Talk us through how you would complete a Care Act needs assessment.
I would begin by ensuring the person can meaningfully engage in the assessment, checking communication needs, capacity, consent, and whether reasonable adjustments are required.
I would then take a strengths-based, person-led approach, starting with what matters to the person, what a good day looks like, and what they are already managing with support from family, community or technology.
I would explore each Care Act outcome area, focusing not just on whether a task can be completed, but whether unmet needs are having a significant impact on wellbeing.
Throughout the assessment I would balance the person’s wishes with risks, taking a proportionate and least restrictive approach, and consider prevention, equipment, reablement, informal support and community resources before commissioned care.
I would involve carers where appropriate, identify any safeguarding concerns, clarify financial circumstances, and ensure all decisions and rationale are clearly recorded to support defensible decision-making.
How do you decide whether someone has eligible needs under the Care Act?
I apply the national eligibility criteria by considering whether the person’s needs arise from a physical or mental impairment, whether they are unable to achieve specified outcomes, and whether this has a significant impact on their wellbeing.
I’m careful not to equate diagnosis with eligibility — instead I focus on functional impact, risk, and lived experience.
Even where needs are not eligible, I still ensure the person receives appropriate information, advice, and preventative support, as this is a core Care Act duty.
How do you manage assessments over the telephone?
I don’t assume a telephone assessment is suitable — I actively assess whether it is appropriate for that individual.
I ensure communication is accessible by checking hearing, language needs, fatigue, and whether an interpreter or advocate is required. I explain the purpose of the call clearly, pace the conversation, and regularly check understanding.
Because I can’t observe non-verbal cues, I use open questions, reflective summaries, and corroborate information with consent from family or professionals where needed.
If at any point I feel the assessment cannot be completed safely or accurately by phone, I would escalate this and explore alternative arrangements.
How do you ensure assessments are strengths-based?
I deliberately start with strengths — what the person can do, what support already exists, and what they want to maintain or regain (solution focused).
I frame conversations around ‘what’s working’ as well as ‘what’s difficult’, and explore whether needs can be met through equipment, adaptations, routines, or community connections before considering formal care.
This approach promotes independence, dignity, and avoids creating unnecessary dependency.
How do you balance choice and risk?
I respect people’s right to make unwise decisions where they have capacity, while ensuring risks are clearly explored, understood and documented.
I focus on positive risk-taking, working collaboratively to reduce avoidable harm without removing autonomy.
Where risks are high or complex, I seek advice, involve relevant professionals, and ensure decisions are proportionate, transparent and defensible.
How do you demonstrate anti-racist and inclusive practice?
I start from a position of curiosity rather than assumption, recognising that culture, language, and identity influence how people experience services.
I ensure communication is accessible, involve interpreters where appropriate, and actively invite people to share what matters to them culturally, spiritually, or socially.
If I observe assumptions or bias, I challenge this professionally and escalate concerns where necessary, grounding my practice in the Equality Act and organisational values.
What would you do if you identified safeguarding concerns during a telephone assessment?
I would remain calm, listen carefully, and gather relevant information without investigating beyond my role.
I would assess immediate risk, explain my safeguarding responsibilities transparently, and escalate concerns promptly in line with policy.
I would ensure the concern is clearly recorded and that appropriate action is taken without delay, recognising that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
How do you involve carers appropriately?
I identify carers early, ensure their voice is heard, and consider whether they have support needs of their own.
I balance carer involvement with the person’s right to autonomy, consent and confidentiality.
Where appropriate, I explain carers’ rights and refer for a carers assessment.
How do you ensure best value when recommending support?
I ensure resources are used proportionately by fully exploring prevention, equipment, technology and informal support before commissioned care.
Where funded support is required, I ensure it is outcome-focused, time-limited where appropriate, and authorised in line with policy, achieving best value while meeting eligible needs.
Why this role / why Devon County Council?
This role aligns strongly with my values around prevention, independence and person-centred practice.
Devon’s emphasis on strengths-based working, the 3 Conversations model and proportionate decision-making reflects how I already practice.
I’m motivated by roles that combine professional judgement, collaboration and meaningful impact, and I believe my background equips me well to contribute to this service.
