Direct Payment Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting individuals to manage their own care and support needs? Do you have a strong understanding of direct payments and the associated financial and administrative requirements? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join the Direct Payment Team within the Adult Social Care Service at West Berkshire Council as a Direct Payment Officer.

About The Role

As a Direct Payment Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Direct Payment Team Leader in the delivery and administration of direct payments to individuals with care and support needs. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing advice and guidance to individuals regarding direct payments, including eligibility, funding and how to manage their budget.
• Conducting assessments and reviews of direct payment applications, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
• Supporting individuals with the financial management of their direct payments, including expense claims and invoice processing.
• Working collaboratively with other professionals, such as social workers and providers, to ensure positive outcomes for individuals.
• Maintaining accurate records and data management in relation to direct payments.

About You

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Knowledge and understanding of direct payments legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Experience in providing advice and support to individuals in managing their direct payments.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to build positive relationships with individuals and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, using initiative, as well as part of a team.

Please note this role is fixed term until 30/9/26– Backfill for secondment

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07:00-21:00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Leanne Phillips on or email Leann

To apply, please visit our website and submit your application before the closing date.

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Working with Us

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

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