At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in managing Direct Payments effectively and safely.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care or related fields, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 33699 £ per year.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Directorate: Adult Social Care & All Age Commissioning Section: Adult Social Care - Front Door Location: Civic Centre Grade: Level 7 Salary: £31,022 - £33,699 per annum Hours: 37 hours per week This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision. Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke‑on‑Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high‑quality services that our residents need.
The Role
The Direct Payments Team sits within All Age Commissioning and is responsible for ensuring that adults are supported to manage their Direct Payments effectively, safely, and inline with statutory requirements. As part of a wider transformation programme, the service is moving towards a more integrated, proactive, and person centred approach within Adult Social Care. The Wellbeing Assessor role is key to this change, working directly with adults and their representatives to review how Direct Payments are being used, ensuring they deliver intended outcomes while reducing risk. The post will also take on responsibilities previously held within locality teams, helping to create a more consistent and streamlined service. The post will work closely with colleagues across Adult Social Care, finance, and commissioning, contributing to improved processes and better outcomes for residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Work proactively with adults and their representatives to support the effective use of Direct Payments
- Review and monitor support arrangements to ensure they meet assessed needs and deliver intended outcomes
- Identify risks, concerns, or misuse of funds, taking appropriate action and escalating where required
- Provide clear advice, guidance, and practical support to improve confidence in managing Direct Payments
- Work collaboratively with Adult Social Care teams, commissioning, and finance colleagues to ensure a coordinated approach
- Contribute to service improvements, including embedding consistent processes and undertaking additional duties appropriate to the role
About You
- Experience in Adult Social Care, wellbeing, or a related role supporting vulnerable adults
- Understanding of Direct Payments and the Care Act 2014, or the ability to develop this quickly
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and work sensitively with individuals and carers
- Ability to identify risks and take a proactive, solution focused approach to resolving issues
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines
- Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with a commitment to improving outcomes
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
Pre-Employment Checks
- Right to Work in the UK
- Proof of address
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health Clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Wellbeing Assessor employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing Assessor
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Wellbeing Assessor
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
