Location
London Borough of Hounslow

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£43,449 per annum

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Direct Payments Team as a Direct Payments Officer on an 18-month fixed term contract. You will support vulnerable adults, children, and families to understand and manage Direct Payments, including setting up care packages, monitoring accounts, and providing ongoing advice and support. This role offers the chance to develop your skills across all areas of direct payments, working closely with social care staff, residents, carers, families, and service providers.

About the Team
The Direct Payments Team helps people exercise choice and control over how they use their Direct Payments by providing clear advice and assistance in arranging services. The team promptly responds to enquiries from social care staff, residents, carers, children and their families, service providers, and the public, ensuring excellent customer care and adherence to the Council's complaints procedure.

About Us
The London Borough of Hounslow is an outstanding council serving one of London’s most diverse boroughs. We are committed to providing excellent services to our residents and fostering a culture of visionary leadership, strong partnerships, and inclusivity. Our core values include Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix, and Be a Rock, with equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are an inclusive employer dedicated to breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential of our diverse workforce and community. We support reasonable adjustments for candidates and promote equality through employee networks and learning programmes.

Experience
- Some understanding and knowledge of Direct Payments and their application including legislation, recruitment, payroll, and dispute resolution.
- Experience supporting vulnerable residents, children, and carers is desirable.

About You
- Ability to manage your own caseload effectively, plan, organise and prioritise work.
- Strong communication skills to engage with a wide range of professionals, residents, carers, families, and providers.
- Awareness of safeguarding issues and ability to identify concerns.
- Ability to work under pressure, be self-motivated and work collaboratively with colleagues and social workers.
- IT skills including use of packages such as Agresso and Controcc for payment setup, monitoring, and reconciliation of Direct Payment accounts.

Qualifications
- Awareness of current legislation relevant to Direct Payments and the Care Act.
- No specific qualifications required but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.