At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in managing care budgets and maintaining independence.
- Company: A diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, supportive team environment, and a range of benefits beyond salary.
- Other info: Join a welcoming community-focused team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, financial skills, and experience in social care or management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Senior Direct Payments Officer, this role will expose you to playing a vital role in supporting residents to manage their care budgets effectively, helping them make informed choices about their support and maintain independence within their local community. You’ll lead day-to-day operations, including onboarding new residents to the Direct Payments service, and ensure our service remains resident-focused and impactful.
Our Ideal Candidate:
- a confident leader who can inspire and guide a well-established team
- strong financial and analytical skills
- excellent problem-solving abilities
- experience in supervision or management within a social care or financial setting
- a passion for making a difference in people’s lives
Here’s What You Can Expect:
- a role that matters in a place where you matter - your work will directly improve the lives of residents every day
- a supportive environment - join a knowledgeable, friendly team with managers who value and recognise your contributions
- hybrid working - enjoy flexibility with 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home
- impactful work - help people live well in Merton, maintain independence, and improve their safety and quality of life
A focus on prevention - we work closely with partners to enable residents to live fulfilling lives at home for longer, whether through social connections, home adjustments, or tailored care.
We pride ourselves on being a diverse, tolerant and welcoming Borough and we aim to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and look forward to receiving your application. We are proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident employer.
What We Offer:
Please see our why work for us page on our website for more information about a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you.
For an informal discussion, please contact Shahina Chowdhury via email at shahina.chowdhury@merton.gov.uk or call 0208 545 4416.
We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive a high volume of applications.
Senior Direct Payment Officer in Morden employer: London Borough of Merton
As a Senior Direct Payments Officer, you will join a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents in Merton. With a strong focus on employee well-being, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, our organisation fosters a culture where your contributions are valued and recognised. Here, you can expect to work in a diverse environment that prioritises community engagement and personal development, ensuring that your role truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Direct Payment Officer in Morden
✨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 London Borough of Merton.
✨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 London Borough of Merton!
✨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 London Borough of Merton, 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 London Borough of Merton 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 Senior Direct Payment Officer in Morden
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 London Borough of Merton:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Merton! 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 London Borough of Merton
✨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.
