Caseworker

This role offers an exciting challenge! You will work within a vibrant team based in Coventry.

The service works with social services, local solicitors and department of work and pensions to support vulnerable clients aged 18 years plus, who are unable to manage their own money and are at risk of abuse.

As a caseworker you will work with your clients, their families, friends and care staff to ensure they are supported to receive relevant benefits, assist them to manage their budgets and fund their social care needs, whilst always keeping the best interests of the client at the centre of all decisions.

This is a challenging but extremely rewarding role where no two days are the same. Full training will be given and you will receive direct support and guidance from a Casework Manager.

Main duties of the job

The key principle behind this role is for the Caseworker to progress all matters in relation to a client’s case with direct support and guidance from a Casework Manager. The Casework Manager will maintain responsibility for all casework delivered by the post holder. The Caseworker will provide support to the team by working with clients and other stakeholders.

About us

We’re a local charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers.

We want everyone to be able to love later life.

Job responsibilities

1. Support the management of new and existing clients to ensure benefits are maximised, claimed, reviewed and correct.
2. Preparing background work to attend appeals where appropriate.
3. Meeting with new clients in the community, to work with them and their carers to ensure they are able to continue with their chosen lifestyle but within their individual budget.
4. Liaise with Local Authorities, the DWP and other official agencies in all matters relating to Appointeeships in a timely manner to avoid over or underpayments to the client.
5. Ensure all data is recorded in an accurate, appropriate and timely manner adhering to GDPR legislation.
6. Capture data for chargeable services.
7. Manage and prioritise own tasks.
8. Comply with and keep up to date with changes to legislation relating to Appointeeships and benefits.
9. Undertake appropriate training and personal development as required for the role.
10. Adhere to all AUKCW policies and procedures.
11. Portray a positive image of the organisation both internally and externally.
12. Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required, consistent with the nature and grade of the role.
13. Car user and driving licence essential.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Ability to listen, empathise with people and provide person-centered support in a non-judgmental way. Able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity. Able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders. Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals Have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies, when what the person needs is beyond the scope of the practitioner role e.g. when there is a mental health need requiring a qualified practitioner Ability to organise, plan and prioritise on own initiative, including when under pressure and meeting deadlines High level of written and oral communication skills Ability to work flexibly and enthusiastically within a team or on own initiative Knowledge of and ability to work to policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, and health and safety.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development

Experience

• Experience of working directly in a community development context, adult health and social care, learning support or public health/health improvement (including unpaid work). Experience of supporting people, their families and carers in a related role (including unpaid work). Experience of supporting people with their mental health, either in a paid, unpaid or informal capacity Experience of working within an accounting environment Experience of data collection and input Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships across a variety of organisations

Skills and Knowledge

• Good knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing skills, emails, Excel and the internet.
• Knowledge of the personalised care approach. Knowledge of The Mental Capacity Act 2015 & The Care Act 2014. Knowledge of managing a budget

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£26,100.72 a year FTE based on 37 hours per week