3 monthscontract with a South London based LocalAuthority
JobSummary:
The SharedFinance Service ambition is to add value inspire success and thisrole is part of the Shared Finance Service (SFS) team collectivelyresponsible for delivering SFS activities to realise this ambition.
This role will work foreither the Kingston or Sutton ASC Finance Team to manage ASC incomeand debts maximising the daily income collection and debtmanagement through effective responsive processingactivity.
The postholderwill be the lead expert for the Council in ASC Income recovery andwill be responsible for managing other officers to maximise incomecollection in a manner that is ethical and empathetic to customerneeds.
KeyDuties/Accountabilities:
Deliver serviceactivities and manage small caseloads under the supervision of moreexperienced staff to ensure intended outcomes for customers and theCouncil are delivered within agreed servicestandards.
Responsible formanaging collection of ASC Income and effective debt recovery forthis large and complex servicearea.
Be responsiblefor the collection of ASC legacy debt in line with Council policiesand the ASC ChargingPolicy.
Maintain anextensive and up to date knowledge of statutory charging forresidential care and nonresidential charging policy and proceduresGovernment regulations and guidance other ociated welfare benefitsand IT systems and be fully conversant with and up to date withemerging legislation in particular with regards to the Care Act andthe impact on Debt RecoveryLegislation.
Provide expertadvice and information to the rest of the team and ASC colleaguesregarding legacy debtmanagement.
Attend seniormanagement meetings to inform of progress throughout the lifetimeof theproject.
Negotiateacceptable levels of payment ofinvoices.
with clientstaking into account their financial cirstances and the Council sand Central Government policy andprocedures.
Obtain a fullunderstanding of the Council s and Government schemes to provideclear advice to customers and other interested parties. At alltimes dealing in an efficient and sympathetic way with sometimesdifficult or distressed members of the public.
To advise customers toensure they receive all benefits and services they are entitled to.Referring customers to the appropriate Government departmentinternal or external advice agency as appropriate.
Provide accurate and timelydebt monitoring information to the Adult Social Care directorate tosupport effective financial management and maximisation of incometo theCouncil.
Manage theprocess for the application for County Court representing theCouncil in Court hearings. Preparing doentation for referring casesto the Legal Services Department where appropriate. To monitor andreview subsequentaction.
Providing theProsecution Officer with statements of repayment for court. Takingfollow up action from Court Orders granted which may involvefurther Courtintervention.
Monitorpayments and accurately recordcosts/interest/penalties.
Manage identifyand schedule write offs preparatory to authorisation and process inaccordance with Financial Regulations and Corporate DebtPolicy.
Maintain andimplement policies related to the collection of ASCDebts
Support projectplanning and project management effectively to introduce pilot andevaluate new or upgraded systems orprocesses.
Ensure staffare trained capable managed and supported to deliver flexiblefinancial services being adaptable in response to unplannedpriorities.
Respond tointernal and external audit queries Freedom of Information Requestsor other enquiries as needed.
Work effectively withcolleagues in the ASC Finance team to provide consistentlyhighquality financial services to ASC colleagues andcustomers.
Work closelywith colleagues in the ASC Finance team for the partner boroughwith the Shared Finance Service to share best practice andeffective ways of working and to foster a continuous improvementapproach to servicedelivery.
Consistentlyachieves performance targets and celebrates success withteam.
To developupdate and act on Personal Development Plans as discussed andagreed with the linemanager.
Demonstratestrong and confident leadership of the Shared Finance Serviceinspiring team to deliver partnership working across bothcouncils.
Interfacedirectly with external and internal customers to manage deliverypriorities issues andchallenges.
Engage inpartnership working with our Legal Service for improved recoveryand enforcementprocesses.
EssentialExperienceRequired:
A minimum of 5GCSEs (including English & Maths) or equivalent(IRRV/BenefitsTechnician).
Experience ofthe Care Act and charging policies in a large financeoperation.
Experience ofsupervisingstaff.
Able to workeffectively under pressure organise priorities and in a loneworkingenvironment.
Able toeffectively deal with potentially aggressive/volatile situationsinvolving customers and members of thepublic.
Experience ofplanning and delivering trainingsessions.
Experience ofworking in a customerfocused environment and achieving successfuloutcomes in the delivery of services that meet customerneeds.
Additionalinformation tonote:
Initially 5days in the office reducing to 2 when fully trained no scope forfull remoteworking.
This role issubject to an Enhanced DBScheck.
The closing date forthis position is Friday07/10/2024.