At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in managing their care funds and ensure financial accuracy.
- Company: Join Walsall Council's Adult Social Care & Health team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Strong financial skills and experience in managing accounts required.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 31022 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated and detail‑oriented Self‑Directed Support Officer to join our Adult Social Care & Health team. This is a vital role supporting the delivery of Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds, helping residents to have greater choice and control over their care. You will play a key role in managing virtual wallets, prepaid cards, and payment systems, ensuring funds are distributed correctly and used appropriately. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial skills who enjoys working with people and making a real impact in the community.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds for customers
- Administer virtual wallet and prepaid card systems
- Set up new users and allocate funding
- Monitor spend, identify discrepancies, and carry out audits
- Reconcile payment cycles and ensure financial accuracy
- Work with service users, families, and providers to resolve queries
- Recover surplus balances in line with policy
- Act as a key contact and subject matter expert for Self‑Directed Support
- Support colleagues and promote understanding of Direct Payments
About You
- Strong financial and analytical skills with experience managing accounts
- Experience of auditing or monitoring financial transactions
- Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with a range of stakeholders
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload
- Knowledge of Direct Payments, Self‑Directed Support, or adult social care funding
The post holder will have a hybrid of office, remote and home working. Closing Date Friday 3rd July 2026.
Self-Directed Support Officer in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture that values community impact. As a Self-Directed Support Officer, you will benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, continuous training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents. Join us in fostering a safe and inclusive environment where your financial expertise can shine and contribute to the betterment of adult social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Self-Directed Support Officer in Walsall
✨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 Walsall Council.
✨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 Walsall Council!
✨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 Walsall Council, 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 Walsall Council 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 Self-Directed Support Officer in Walsall
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 Walsall Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Walsall Council! 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 Walsall Council
✨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.
