Location
London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£40,182 per annum

About the Role
The Direct Payments Advisor role supports the delivery of duties under the Care Act 2014 by enabling individuals to exercise choice and control over how their assessed care and support needs are met. The role includes providing advice and support to individuals receiving a Direct Payment, including the set-up of Direct Payments and advising on the responsibilities involved in employing staff and promoting good employment practice. You will financially monitor individuals’ Direct Payment accounts, including identifying and recovering surpluses where appropriate. You will develop, promote, and support the take-up and use of Direct Payments, enabling people to organise and manage their own support packages. The role also involves engaging with social care teams to provide advice and support on the set-up and ongoing management of Direct Payments.

About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council, we are growing and developing to meet the challenges facing our borough and are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to our values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.

What We Offer
31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme providing a valuable guaranteed income in retirement and security for dependents
Work-life balance options including hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, and part-time opportunities
A wide range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
Broad payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
Excellent training and development opportunities
Employee well-being training programmes including confidential employee assistance

Experience
Experience of Direct Payments, customer finance or social care is desirable but not essential.

About You
You will be a customer-focused and well-organised professional, delivering an efficient and responsive Direct Payments service. You will support residents, families and representatives to set up and manage Direct Payments, ensuring processes are clear, accessible and compliant with council policies and statutory guidance. You will have strong administrative, numeracy and communication skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records. You will be confident handling sensitive information and applying policies and procedures, particularly in relation to financial monitoring, audit requirements and the appropriate use of public funds. You will be able to analyse information, monitor accounts and take appropriate action to resolve issues, including identifying risks and addressing misuse of funds. You will work collaboratively with colleagues and partners, providing clear advice and taking a practical, solution-focused approach to support residents and improve service delivery. You will be committed to delivering high-quality, resident-focused services, reflecting the Council’s values of caring, learning, inclusion and collaboration.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory for this role.