Financial Assessment Officer – 12 Month FTC We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Financial Assessment Officer to join our dynamic Adult Social Care team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 12-month fixed term contract. As the Financial Assessment Officer, you will play a pivotal role in assessing if individuals need to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their care, in line with the Council’s policy and the Care Act. Where relevant, ensure any entitlement to welfare benefits and allowances are maximised. The team Conduct financial assessments in respect of social care services customers to decide if a financial contribution is required, whilst maximising income for the Council and the Customer. Please note that you will be expected to come into the office for up to 3 months for training and will be expected to come into the office 1-3 times a week when you do hybrid working (this may increase based on business needs). Benefits: Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays ⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline ⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes ⭐ And much more Key responsibilities: Conducts financial assessments and annual reviews under the Council’s Charging Policies and other legal frameworks, through desk-based work, in accordance with defined legislation, procedures and timescales so that the Council may correctly charge for social services care packages, respite and residential care. Ensure that assessments and case visits are dealt with correctly and in a timely manner, giving advice and guidance as required To obtain, record, review, verify and collate financial information/evidence for financial assessment and to undertake all aspects of the financial assessment work both for non-residential adult social care charging and Charging for Residential accommodation within agreed timescales to meet team targets. This could be through a variety of channels including home visits, appointments at the Council’s Offices, e-mail, post, or telephone. Keep updated with current legislation and government changes, specifically in connection with the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. To help train and coach colleagues on the team including new colleagues and cross training within the team as well as attendance at relevant meetings. Candidate requirements: Experience of working in an office environment. A commitment to embracing change. The ability to interpret, extract and assess important information. The ability to work with volume and be accurate. Customer service ethos, striving to continually improve. The ability to work on their own initiative and take ownership as well as working as part of a team. Working with colleagues to achieve service performance targets. Good IT skills. Our Area Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today. Alternatively, for more information or to arrange an information discussion, please contact Frances Jewson Frances.Jewsonwokingham.gov.uk Closing: Sunday 23rd February 2025, 11pm Interviews: w/c 03rd March 2025 Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.