At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable clients with financial management and welfare benefits.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to community support and excellent service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Do you want a role where you are recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you are just what we are looking for!
The team… Gateshead is a great place to live, work and visit and Gateshead Council has a clear focus on helping communities to thrive. Customer Experience and Digital operates at the very core of the Council's operations, working with services to support delivery of the Council priorities. Customer Experience and Digital includes the Council's Benefits service and opportunities are now available to join this dynamic team.
This is a key role in the service in terms of both maximising revenue to the council to support our services and spending plans as well as the delivery of excellent customer service. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Council's Customer Experience and Digital Team within Corporate Resources. We are seeking to appoint two permanent, full time Assessment Assistants to the Council's Financial Assessment Team. The positions are essential to maintaining the provision of the services high performing delivery of Financial Protection administration whilst working in a dynamic and challenging environment.
As an Assessment Assistant you will…
- Play a key role in supporting vulnerable clients by ensuring their financial affairs, welfare benefits and essential arrangements are managed effectively and with care.
- Work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, carrying out all duties required of a corporate appointee, ensuring clients' finances and welfare benefits are managed appropriately and in their best interests.
- Submit applications to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to become the corporate appointee for new clients and then provide full appointeeship support for a personal caseload.
- Handle day to day financial management, welfare benefits, respond promptly to client needs, and ensure actions are taken in clients' best interests.
- Set up bill payments, oversee care home fees, approve additional payments, process invoices, handle Motability claims, and monitor high balance accounts.
- Maximise client entitlements by making and managing benefit claims, and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders including clients, social workers, care providers, hospitals, solicitors, genealogy companies, the police, and funeral directors.
- Support clients during moves by arranging utilities, updating benefit claims, and notifying relevant agencies.
- Collaborate with Deputyship Officers to support cases transitioning from appointeeship to Deputyship.
- Contribute to end of life and estate matters, including making funeral arrangements under the Public Health Act, registering deaths, and locating funds, valuables, or essential contacts.
- Work with genealogy companies to identify next of kin and finalise deceased clients' accounts for estate administration.
What makes Gateshead Council? Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We are truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are. People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.
Benefits: You will be paid a competitive salary £29,540 to £32,061 pa. We will help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension. You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Council's Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year. We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance. A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas. You will have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better. You will have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.
It’s time to apply! We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link: JOB PROFILE. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.
Assessment Assistant x2 employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to community service and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to innovate and make a meaningful impact while enjoying access to health and wellness resources, as well as opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessment Assistant x2
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Gateshead Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Gateshead Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessment Assistant x2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Gateshead Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Gateshead Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Gateshead Council.
