Client Financial Protection Officer - Portsmouth in Hayling Island

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.

We are looking for a Client Financial Protection Officer. This is a full time role based at the Civic Offices with some hybrid working depending on business needs.

Within this role you will be ensuring that the best financial interest of vulnerable service users are secured through the use of appropriate legal procedures and advising care management and other staff on such issues undertaking practical casework where required. With an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2025, you will be responsible for reconciling and investigating queries on clients accounts, scrutinising and paying clients bills and managing clients financial affairs. You will make, monitor and maintain state benefit claims for adults and complete and maintain financial assessments under Deputyship or Appointeeship. This will also involve making application for the appointment of Appointeeship via the DWP to ensure quick access to funds for vulnerable clients. You will also undertake necessary casework and visit clients to maintain a regular contact and ensure they are engaged and involved in any decisions surrounding their financial affairs.

You will have a knowledge in the provision of a local authority deputy and appointee service as well as a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice. With a general knowledge of DWP Appointeeship and of the Care Act, public authority funding and charges for care you will have the ability to reconcile accounts and identify and investigate any anomalies. With excellent communication skills both verbal and written, you will have experience of completing reports and writing clear accurate letters, decisions and objective notes. You will have a general knowledge of Appointeeship and Court Protection and Public Guardianship office and awareness of relevant legislation. With a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel you will be self-motivated and able to work under pressure and to deadlines. With experience of visiting clients, you will have the use of your own transport or will be able to travel across the city as you will be visiting clients.

We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week, this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.