We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Deferred Payments Specialist Officer to join our team. This role is crucial in supporting individuals with assessed care needs in Buckinghamshire by expediting financial assessments and providing guidance to prevent financial vulnerability. As a Deferred Payments Specialist Officer, you will be the primary contact for all matters related to complex financial assessments, deputyships, and appointees. You will liaise with various stakeholders, monitor and report on Adult Social Care debt, and develop close working relationships with partner agencies. Additionally, you will conduct home visits, provide proactive debt support, and contribute to strategic meetings.
About us
Working in the Finance Assessments Team as part of the wider Revenues and Benefits Team at Buckinghamshire Council, we are responsible for assessing clients across Buckinghamshire to calculate their contribution towards the cost of their care and support. We are focused on providing accurate financial information to our clients.
The successful applicant will join a close-knit team made up of 2 team leaders and 17 officers who pride themselves on their teamwork as they strive to deliver a high quality of service contributing towards the vision of helping people lead better lives.
The team supports Promoting Independence and Living Well approaches for Buckinghamshire people in the prevention or resolution of financial vulnerability through effective support, advice, and guidance.
About the role
As a Deferred Payments Specialist Officer, your main responsibilities will include:
* Liaising with various stakeholders to establish deferred payment recovery, including Care Management, Credit Control, Financial Assessments, Direct Payment – Finance Housing, and Legal Teams.
* Monitoring and reporting performance in respect of Adult Social Care debt on deferred payment on a monthly basis.
* Developing close working relationships with partner agencies such as the Department for Works and Pensions for data sharing and participating in partnership working as agreed by the Council.
* Promoting the importance of income collection to the overall budget position and raising awareness of roles and responsibilities across care teams.
* Communicating effectively with recipients of care or their representatives, whether face-to-face, by telephone, or letter.
* Conducting home visits to support recipients of care or their representatives in paying their assessed contribution, such as setting up deferred payment plans.
* Providing proactive support by identifying debt early and escalating any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.
* Assisting recipients of care or their representatives with prompt and appropriate advice, liaising with other agencies and departments where necessary.
* Contributing to Strategic Debt and Income Group meetings.
* Delivering training and awareness at training events and providing support to colleagues when required.
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
We are looking for an individual with experience in the development and implementation of finance, fraud, or safeguarding best practices. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills and a proven track record of supporting people with their finances. A strong background in developing and delivering effective finance training, along with the ability to engage and network with stakeholders to influence service delivery, is crucial.
Creativity and imagination help in seeing new approaches, overcoming obstacles, and achieving ambitious goals. Being well-organized, able to plan and prioritize workloads to meet business needs, and possessing tenacity and resilience to challenge existing ways of doing things are important. Good operating knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, the Intranet/Internet, and Email, and embracing new technology are necessary. Additionally, relevant experience in project management or leading project-based initiatives, understanding Financial Advice and Fraud legislation, and having a working knowledge of assessment and billing in Adult Social Care are required.
Qualifications:
* Education to A Level / HNC standard or equivalent
Please note: You must have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
Working arrangements: Any desk worker, working 2 days in the office and 3 days from home.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
* All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
* All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values and culture
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
* a fair and inclusive culture
* the chance to really make a difference to those around you
* health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
* ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
* opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
About the Business Unit
Resources cover a wide range of specialisms, including Human Resources, Finance, ICT and Business Operations. Our main focus is supporting the other directorates to provide the best possible service to our residents.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserve recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.
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