At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct financial assessments and provide benefits advice to support Adult Social Care clients.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for personal growth await you.
- Why this job: Make an impact by helping vulnerable adults access the benefits they deserve.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and knowledge of welfare benefits is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The purpose of this role is to ensure timely and accurate financial assessments are completed for Adult Social Care clients (or their legal representatives) which are often completed at their main residence. This will involve carrying out a detailed analysis of their financial circumstances, assessing how much they are required to contribute towards the cost of their Adult Social Care and support services funded through the Local Authority.
You will provide high quality welfare rights and benefits advice and ensure that clients and their carers are supported to receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. You will be collecting sensitive personal, financial information, relevant to the financial assessment process and providing a high-quality welfare rights and benefits advice within the client's home. You will be supporting customers or their carers/spouse with benefit applications where appropriate and notify them of their assessed maximum charge and explain how contributions are calculated.
Who is the person:
With proven experience in working within a front-line customer facing service, you will have an understanding of the chargeable services provided by Adult Social Care and of the Care Act 2014 and how this underpins charging frameworks. You will have experience of working with DWP Welfare Benefits with knowledge of those that may be applicable to people with disabilities. With an understanding of completing financial assessments, you will have the ability to identify entitlement to unclaimed benefits, means tested benefits, premiums and state pension providing whilst providing client support.
You will have an excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret financial evidence. You will have strong numeracy skills, good communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to prioritise and plan your workload.
About Portsmouth City Council: 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 offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Short listing will take place w/c 1 June 2026 with the interview process taking place anytime after w/c 8 June 2026 or 15 June 2026.
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. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
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.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Financial Assessment and Benefit Officer (FAB) - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises respect, integrity, and inclusivity, fostering a collaborative work culture where employees can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the council offers hybrid working arrangements and a supportive environment for those in the Financial Assessment and Benefit Officer role, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Assessment and Benefit Officer (FAB) - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Portsmouth City Council and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with financial assessments and welfare rights clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Assessment and Benefit Officer (FAB) - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Make sure to customise your personal statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the 'Who is the Person' section. Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your skills in financial assessments and customer service.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, include examples that demonstrate your ability to interpret financial evidence accurately. Mention any relevant experiences where your attention to detail made a significant impact.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your experience with DWP Welfare Benefits and any knowledge of benefits applicable to people with disabilities. This will show us that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our careers portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and understand how it relates to financial assessments. Being able to discuss specific chargeable services and how they impact clients will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've worked in customer-facing services, especially those involving financial assessments or welfare rights. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires strong numeracy skills and the ability to interpret financial evidence, be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past. Bring along any relevant documents or examples that highlight your attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As you'll be providing advice and support to clients in their homes, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, and be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in previous roles.
