Senior Finance Assistant (Residential Assessment Team)
Job title: Senior Finance Assistant (Residential Financial Assessment Team)
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Merrion House (hybrid working)
The Adults Operational Services Team provides several services including financial assessments to ascertain financial assistance for care services, invoicing of assessed client financial charges for non-residential services, Deputyship and Estate Management, Audit of Direct Payments, and Payment of invoices for Home Care provision.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Leeds City Council’s Adult Operational Services to become part of the Financial Assessments Team, which carries out financial assessments for people receiving care and support in a residential setting.
The successful candidate will investigate queries raised by residential care homes regarding the customers' care fees in line with the Council’s charging policy and the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations (2014).
You will interrogate the Customer Information System upon receipt of a residential care home query, liaise with internal colleagues and social workers regarding any enquiries and disputes, ensuring that financial assessments are completed accurately, and that service users only contribute what they can afford for their residential placement.
You will report to the Assistant Finance Manager and Finance Officer.
About you
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), including strong customer service skills.
* An elevated level of IT literacy with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including the ability to input and analyze spreadsheet data.
* Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records.
* A team player with a willingness to learn and understand customer needs.
* A self-motivator, highly organized, able to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and work to deadlines.
About the role
You will manage the team’s email inbox and allocate incoming queries to other team members. You will also deal with telephone enquiries and provide general administrative support. The role requires the ability to interpret all types of legislation and financial policies connected to this position, along with good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Applicants must be able to work on their own initiative, without close supervision, to tight deadlines, and must keep accurate records while using a variety of computerised systems. Strong organizational skills are essential, including the ability to prioritize work with frequent interruptions.
You will be motivated and a critical thinker with excellent communication skills, able to work harmoniously with others to achieve personal, team, and service goals.
Successful candidates will need to have a GCSE level C or above in both English Language and Maths or equivalent.
The team has adapted to hybrid working, and you will be expected to work from Merrion House 2 days per week.
What we offer you
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Please complete every part of the online application outlining how you meet the specified criteria as detailed in the Job Description. Check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Zoe Smith, Assistant Finance Manager on 0113 5350038.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
Job Purpose:
To assist with the provision of a comprehensive financial support service to the Adult Operational Services team within the Adult & Health Directorate.
The overarching aim is to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to the provision of Adult Operational Services (AOS) by:
* Providing an efficient support service to senior managers and staff within the AOS team.
* Providing a flexible service and being reactive to priorities.
* Providing timely financial information and support to officers/Social Workers, clients or their representatives, independent providers, and outside agencies, as appropriate within information governance guidance.
* Aiming to maximize the council's financial resources within acceptable risk levels.
* Ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Dealing with incoming mail and emails and their timely distribution.
* Dealing with telephone queries and signposting where appropriate.
* Ensuring information governance rules are adhered to when dealing with sensitive queries.
* Providing advice on aspects of legislation and welfare benefits.
* Assisting with the production of letters to clients and/or providers of services.
* Updating databases and record management systems accurately and timely.
* Liaising with other Council services and external organizations.
* Assisting with banking arrangements and monitoring of debts.
* Using computer systems to analyze and collate data and produce reports.
* Reporting potential fraud or safeguarding concerns promptly.
Qualifications
Holds a GCSE level C or above in English Language or equivalent and Maths or equivalent.
Essential Requirements
* Ability to use a computerised system to accurately input, update and interrogate client information.
* Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills using a variety of media.
* Ability to work on own initiative to adhere to timescales and deadlines.
* Ability to undertake administrative duties as required.
* Good numeracy and literacy skills and the ability to deal with complex tasks.
Desirable Requirements
* Knowledge of local policies and current legislation applicable to chargeable services for Adults and Health services.
* Experience of working with elderly, disabled, or vulnerable client groups.
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