At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances for vulnerable adults, ensuring their income is maximised and protected.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hackney, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join an inclusive team dedicated to improving local residents' lives.
- Why this job: Be a financial advocate and help those who need it most in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong problem-solving skills, and a compassionate approach.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44500 £ per year.
Connect2Hackney are currently recruiting an empathetic and detail-oriented Client Financial Affairs Officer to join our Adult Social Care Finance team at the London Borough of Hackney. In this vital post, you will manage a dedicated caseload of finances for vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to manage their own money. Acting as a financial advocate, you will oversee Court of Protection Deputyships, DWP Benefit Appointeeships, and Direct Payment third-party arrangements to ensure residents' income is maximised, protected, and used in their best interests. If you combine strong financial/accounting skills with a customer-centered, compassionate approach, we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Caseload & Banking Management
- Day-to-Day Finances: Manage bank accounts, transfer funds, set up standing orders for bills, and issue personal spending money in line with care plans.
- Reconciliations & Reporting: Complete monthly bank statement reconciliations, keep meticulous database records, and submit annual OPG (Office of the Public Guardian) reports within set deadlines.
- Deceased Estates: Follow administrative guidelines to wind up and finalise the estates of deceased service users respectfully.
- Court of Protection & Benefits
- Deputyship & Appointeeship: Prepare Court of Protection applications for property and financial affairs, and apply to the DWP to manage pensions and benefits.
- Income Maximisation: Investigate and claim all eligible benefits, allowances, and tax exemptions to maximise residents' funds.
- Direct Payments Third-Party Support
- Scheme Administration: Process financial transactions for direct payment third-party accounts, ensuring prompt payroll processing, quarterly statement distribution, and compliance with council financial rules.
- Resident Advocacy & Engagement
- Home Visits: Conduct visits to client's homes or care settings to carry out annual financial plans, operating under the 5 principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Multi-Agency Liaison: Act as a financial advocate for residents, working closely with social workers, care managers, the DWP, and the OPG.
Who We Are Looking For
- Experience & Knowledge
- Legislative Knowledge: Understanding of Court of Protection Deputyships, DWP Appointeeships, and the Mental Capacity Act.
- Financial & Accounting Background: Proven experience in local government finance, managing service user funds, account reconciliations, or handling Direct Payments.
- Tech-Savvy: Skilled in using financial database systems, Excel, and standard office applications.
- Qualifications & Skills
- Education: A qualification in Business/Finance, AAT, or equivalent practical finance/administrative experience.
- Core Competencies: Excellent numerical accuracy, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Communication & Care: A compassionate, customer-focused approach with the sensitivity required to communicate complex financial matters to vulnerable residents and multi-disciplinary teams.
Note: This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Why Join Hackney?
As part of the London Borough of Hackney, you will join an inclusive team that directly improves the lives of local residents every day. We offer a supportive environment, excellent opportunities for professional growth, and flexible working arrangements.
Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Client Financial Affairs Officer in Hackney employer: Connect2Hackney
Connect2Hackney is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, allowing Senior Cloud Engineers to thrive in a dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to innovative projects that enhance the community. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Hackney, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working in a diverse area that values transparency and high-quality service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Financial Affairs Officer in Hackney
✨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 Connect2Hackney.
✨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 Connect2Hackney!
✨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 Connect2Hackney, 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 Connect2Hackney 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 Client Financial Affairs Officer in Hackney
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 Connect2Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Hackney! 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 Connect2Hackney
✨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.
