Client: Local Authority in Ealing
Job Title: Financial Assessment Officer
Pay Rate: 20.31 an hour PAYE
Hours: 35 hours Mon to Fri (09:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
Duration: Initial 3 Month Contract
Location: Predominantly Remote - required to be in Ealing office once a month.
Description:
PURPOSE OF ROLE: To be responsible for assisting the Principal Finance Officer in the efficient and effective provision of a comprehensive financial assessment and billing function for care fees and in providing a high level of customer care in accordance with statutory requirements and the Council's policies and procedures.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. To ensure the timely completion of financial assessments including obtaining financial information in order to advise customers, often vulnerable and/or their representatives of any contribution towards an Individual Budget/care fees.
2. To be responsible for assisting in the efficient and timely raising of customer's bills for care fees and for liaising with other Adults' Services and Finance teams in order to advise them of the customers net contribution towards care fees in accordance with legislation, statutory regulations and the Council's policies and procedures.
3. To ensure providers and direct payment customers are paid the correct amount in line with commissioned services, including identifying and verifying discrepancies, while ensuring that all processes are completed in a timely manner to allow prompt payment.
4. To be responsible for assisting in the efficient completion of the annual financial re-assessment process in accordance with statutory regulations and the Council's policies and procedures, to maximise income due to the Council.
5. To be responsible for the on-going maintenance, reconciliation, refunding and review of financial assessments and assisting in the efficient and timely completion of the annual closing of accounts process.
6. To be responsible for providing accurate information and calculations to care managers to enable panel administrators to make informed decisions regarding eligibility for funding for self-funders.
7. To be responsible for conducting effective meetings with customers, often vulnerable and/or their representatives in person at the council or during home visits.
8. To be responsible for ensuring effective liaison and a high level of customer care with customers, often vulnerable and/or their representatives, care providers, Government departments, statutory agencies such as the Benefits Agency and Primary Care Trusts/public health, including attending surgeries, workshops, managing stalls, particularly in relation to maximising income due to the Council.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
1. An understanding of Department of Health and Social Care (Care Act 2015), Department of Work and Pensions benefit legislation and other relevant central and local government legislation.
2. A working knowledge of financial administration including the financial assessment process and reconciliations.
3. The ability to communicate effectively both in person and in writing with staff, external agencies, customers and their representatives.
4. The ability to deal effectively with queries and to provide appropriate advice and guidance as required.
5. The ability to deal objectively and with empathy with distressed or angry customers in order to obtain information, negotiate successful outcomes and explain financial contributions.
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