Financial Assessment and Payments Accuracy Officer

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Financial Assessment and Payments Accuracy Officer to join our motivated Financial Assessment team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a part time, 18 month fixed term contract. 

As a Financial Assessment and Payments Accuracy Officer, you will 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.

This role will undertake the Council’s Direct Payment offering, ensuring agreements are signed, customers paid in the most appropriate way and funds are correctly spent and monitored.

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) (pro rata), 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:

• To ensure all work checked is accurate and correct across the teams.
• Following process and procedure as per the Care Act 2014
• Being able to communicate with colleagues in an easy-to-understand language.
• To help train and coach colleagues on the team including new colleagues within the team.
• Maintain sufficient records so that all appropriate monitoring and statistical records covering the function can be compiled on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Candidate requirements:

• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good IT skills including Office software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Teams.
• Ability to actively listen to extract and assess important information.
• Experience within a customer focused service providing excellent customer service.
• Experience of working with vulnerable customers
• Experience of administering processes to tight timescales and with a high level of accuracy.
• Previous experience of working in an office environment.
• Able to work with budget holders on a high-level basis

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 Lynn Smith (lynn.smith@wokingham.gov.uk) or Nicky Thomas (nicky.thomas@wokingham.gov )

Closing: Sunday 5th January 2025, 11pm

Interviews: w/c Monday 13th January 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.