At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in managing their Direct Payments and promote good employment practices.
- Company: Barnet Council, committed to flexible working and employee well-being.
- Benefits: 31 days annual leave, lifestyle discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering individuals to manage their own care and support.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in finance or social care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Provide 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.
- Financially monitor individuals’ Direct Payment accounts, identifying and recovering surpluses where appropriate.
- Develop, promote, and support the take‑up and use of Direct Payments, enabling people to organise and manage their own support packages.
- Engage with social care teams to provide advice and support on the set‑up and ongoing management of Direct Payments.
About you
- Customer‑focused and well‑organised, with strong administrative, numeracy and communication skills, and the ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records.
- Confident handling sensitive information and applying policies and procedures, particularly in relation to financial monitoring, audit requirements and the appropriate use of public funds.
- Able to analyse information, monitor accounts and take appropriate action to resolve issues, including identifying risks and addressing misuse of funds.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners, taking a practical, solution‑focused approach to support residents and improve service delivery.
- Experience of Direct Payments, customer finance or social care is desirable.
What we offer
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Work‑life balance options including hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits, including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance
Equal Opportunities
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working and is committed to offering employees a healthy work‑life balance. The Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months.
Direct Payments Advisor employer: Borough of Barnet
Barnet Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and work-life balance, offering flexible working options such as hybrid arrangements and job shares. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from excellent training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. The generous annual leave package and lifestyle discounts further enhance the rewarding experience of working in this vital role within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Payments Advisor
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Barnet.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Barnet!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Barnet, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Barnet or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Payments Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Barnet:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Barnet! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
