At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults by managing their financial affairs and ensuring their wellbeing.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to improving quality of life for all residents.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for career development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of mental capacity laws and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25959 - 28621 £ per year.
Deputyship Caseworker Permanent, Full Time £25,959 to £28,621 per annum Location: Chelmsford Working Style: Anywhere worker Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Essex County Council has a vision to make the county a place which provides the very best quality of life for everyone who lives and works here, and we see the protection and care of the county’s most vulnerable adults as an absolute priority. Deputyship forms a vital part of this. We’re there for when someone has nobody who’s willing or able to act on their behalf to manage their financial affairs when they no longer have the mental capacity to do so on their own. We protect them from financial abuse and support them to live a more independent, better-quality life. It’s hugely rewarding. Always interesting. And rarely are two days the same.
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 or 2 days per week, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired. Working Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
The Opportunity Essex County Council (ECC) has a vision to make our County a place which provides the best possible quality of life for all who live and work here. One of the key priorities is the protection of vulnerable adults. The Deputyship Team performs an innovative, exceptional, positive role in achieving this priority. The Deputyship Team is appointed by The Court of Protection to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the County. Managing all aspects of the property and financial affairs of un‑befriended people, who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs.
A caseworker supports the team’s professional, experienced Case Officers and Team Manager to meet the standards expected of a public authority deputy so that our clients’ best interests are always met. Working directly to Deputyship Case Officers, or managing a caseload of their own, a Deputyship Caseworker will be responsible for the following:
- Responsible for reconciling and investigating queries on clients’ accounts to ensure high levels of safeguarding.
- Responsible for scrutinising and paying clients’ bills in a timely manner to ensure excellent customer service.
- To manage client’s affairs in accordance with standards expected of a public authority deputy.
- To make, monitor and maintain state benefit claims for adults living in care homes.
- To report changes in circumstances related to Universal Credit claims.
- To complete and maintain financial assessments for adults living in care homes.
- Gain insight into clients to support best interest decisions.
- Perform deputy visits in care homes.
- Prepare annual deputy reports for adults living in care homes.
- Making sure clients in care homes receive their personal expense allowance.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential:
- Good understanding of The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice, including an understanding of how the five statutory principles of the MCA are applied within working practices.
- Working knowledge about claiming and maintaining Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
- Time Management & Organisation - Managing a workload with a high volume of emails, post and tasks requiring tracking through to completion.
- Excellent communication skills with experience in writing clear and accurate letters, email, reports, decisions, and objective notes.
Desirable:
- Good knowledge of The Care Act 2014, public authority funding and charging for care.
- Knowledge about maintaining Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment claims for people living in care homes.
- Working knowledge about charging for care.
- Experience of visiting vulnerable clients and their carers.
You will be keen to develop skills and knowledge within the role, and we welcome applications from workers in the care and social care industry, the DWP and other Local Authorities.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Deputyship Caseworker - Flexible, Impactful Public Service in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable adults in the community. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, ECC fosters a supportive work culture that values integrity and innovation. Working in Chelmsford not only allows you to contribute meaningfully to public service but also offers a dynamic environment where every day brings new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputyship Caseworker - Flexible, Impactful Public Service in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of social care and public service. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who share your passion for helping vulnerable adults.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of The Mental Capacity Act and related legislation. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles in real-life scenarios, showing your commitment to safeguarding clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Be prepared to talk about how you manage a busy workload and keep track of multiple tasks. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your time management prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Essex County Council and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputyship Caseworker - Flexible, Impactful Public Service in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Deputyship Caseworker. We want to see how you can contribute to protecting and supporting vulnerable adults, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and accurately. Whether it’s letters, emails, or reports, we’re looking for that clarity and professionalism.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve got experience in social care, the DWP, or local authorities, make sure to mention it! We love seeing candidates who understand the landscape and can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice. Understanding how the five statutory principles apply in practice will show your commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Prepare to showcase your excellent communication skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've written clear reports or letters in previous roles, as this is key for a Deputyship Caseworker.
✨Showcase Your Time Management
Be prepared to talk about how you manage a high volume of tasks and emails. Share specific examples of how you've organised your workload effectively, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Connect with the Mission
Express your passion for working in public service and supporting vulnerable adults. Share any relevant experiences that align with Essex County Council's vision, showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a meaningful career.
