Court of Protection Officer

About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role
As a Court of Protection Officer, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the financial interests of vulnerable individuals under the jurisdiction of the Court of Protection. This is an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most while contributing to the financial health and efficiency of our local authority.

In this role, you will; [As a Court of Protection Officer, you will follow the guidance of the Office of the Public Guardian to ensure compliance of the Court Order for Property and Financial Affairs

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage financial affairs, including bank accounts, bill payments, benefit collection, and property management.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements set by the Court of Protection.
• Prepare and submit annual accounts and reports to the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Liaise with care providers, social workers, and legal professionals to advocate for the best interests of the individuals.
• Identify and recover debts owed to the authority by individuals under protection.
• Maximise benefits and allowances for individuals, increasing funds managed by the authority.
• Efficiently manage properties owned by individuals under protection, including potential leasing or selling

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it will be necessary to attend in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

Fixed worker until 6 months’ probation period completed then Flexible Worker –
• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting people and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:
• Proven experience in financial management or a similar role.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria:
• Strong understanding of the Court of Protection and related legal requirements.
• Good knowledge of Welfare Benefits
• Financial experience

What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Emma Halford-Snook Personalised Commissioning Team Manager at emma.halford-snook@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 427611

Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.

#J-18808-Ljbffr