At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct financial assessments and provide guidance on care payments for residents.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's supportive Financial Assessments and Income Collection team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service focus, attention to detail, and experience in financial analysis.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 Β£ per year.
Location: Surrey
This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of Β£33,552 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
We are excited to be hiring an Assessment and Income Officer to join our fantastic Financial Assessments and Income Collection team. The team are located in various settings across the county. Your preferred location can be discussed at interview. This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office for a minimum of two days per week, and working from home.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
This role sits within the Financial Assessment and Income Collections service, which is part of the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Directorate. The team play a critical role in providing advice and information to service users in relation to welfare benefits entitlement, the council's charging policy and making payment for social care services, generally through direct telephone contact or face to face.
As an Assessment and Income Officer, you will be responsible for conducting financial assessments for residents in line with legislation and the council's charging policy. You'll provide clear guidance on paying for care, ensuring that outcomes are well documented and communicated. Your role involves resolving queries and working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to help them understand the assessment process, aiming to deliver a positive experience.
You will also review welfare benefit entitlements and assist with claims to help residents maximise their income. A key part of your duties will be to support residents in making payments for care charges, ensuring that all due amounts are collected in accordance with council policies and debt recovery procedures.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- A commitment to delivering a first-class customer service
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to deliver quality outcomes
- Experience of analysing information to ensure right first-time assessments
- Ability to organise, manage time and prioritise efficiently and effectively
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
- How do you approach delivering a high standard of customer service, particularly when dealing with sensitive or complex issues such as financial assessments or care payments?
- Please give an example of how you have explained complex information, such as policies or procedures, to someone unfamiliar with the topic. How did you ensure they understood?
- Please tell us about what methods you would use to ensure accuracy and thoroughness when reviewing financial information or completing assessments?
- Please describe how you manage competing priorities and deadlines in your current or previous role. How do you ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 1st February 2026 with interviews planned for 8th February 2026 (there will be competency tests as part of the interview process).
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, weβre committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Financial Assessment and Income Officer in England employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Financial Assessment and Income Officer in England
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Surrey County Council. Understand their values and how they support their community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the questions you'll be asked and rehearse your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially for those tricky competency questions. We want you to shine!
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Since this role is all about helping residents, be ready to share examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Highlight your ability to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if this role is the right fit for you. Plus, itβs a great way to engage with your interviewers!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Assessment and Income Officer in England
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: When answering the questions, make sure to highlight your commitment to delivering top-notch customer service. We want to see how you handle sensitive situations, especially when it comes to financial assessments or care payments.
Keep It Clear and Simple: When explaining complex information, think about how you can break it down into bite-sized pieces. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you ensure others understand tricky policies or procedures.
Accuracy is Key: Weβre all about getting things right the first time! Share your methods for reviewing financial information and completing assessments accurately. This is your chance to show us your attention to detail.
Time Management Matters: We know that juggling priorities can be tough. Tell us how you manage competing deadlines and ensure tasks are completed on time. Weβre looking for your strategies to stay organised and efficient!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Assessment and Income Officer role. Brush up on financial assessment processes, welfare benefits, and the council's charging policy. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
β¨Customer Service is Key
Prepare examples of how you've delivered exceptional customer service, especially in sensitive situations. Think about times when you've had to explain complex information clearly. This will help you answer questions about handling financial assessments and care payments effectively.
β¨Attention to Detail Matters
Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, be ready to discuss your methods for ensuring thoroughness in your work. Bring examples of how you've analysed information or completed assessments accurately in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality outcomes.
β¨Time Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage competing priorities and deadlines. Think of specific strategies you use to stay organised and ensure tasks are completed on time. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role effectively.