At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reviews of Direct Payments and provide expert advice to customers.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a top-performing local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity to join our Financial Assessments & Payments Team within Prevention and Support Services, on a Full-time, Permanent basis. As Senior Direct Payments Officer, you will take lead responsibility for conducting timely reviews of Direct Payments in accordance with Council Policy, resolving queries and providing expert advice and guidance to both internal and external customers and their representatives. You will set up and process Direct Payments utilising available software packages, reclaim misused or unused funds in line with Council procedures, and champion the Direct Payments offering through events and liaison with internal teams and external agencies.
You will deputise for the Team Manager in their absence, assisting with the daily management of the Direct Payments Team, provide guidance on complex decision-making, respond to customer complaints, and compile management statistical records as required. This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate, experienced professional with a background in a finance environment and supervisory experience to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable customers and the quality of Adult Social Care service delivery.
This is an exciting time to join us as we are expanding the team! Our service was recently recognised as one of the highest performing in the country after a CQC inspection. Wokingham Borough Council is part of the Social Care Future movement, which champions a vision where everyone can live in a place they love, connected to the people and activities that matter most, whatever their age, health or disability.
Staff Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave - 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Provide customer support for Direct Payment customers and act as their point of reference.
- Resolve issues with Direct Payment card accounts and offer advice to customers with Direct Payment funds.
- Reconcile Direct Payment accounts and reclaim any unspent funds.
- Help train and coach colleagues on the team including new colleagues within the team.
- Communicate with colleagues and customers in an easy-to-understand language.
Candidate Requirements
- Experience of working in an office environment.
- A commitment to embracing change.
- The ability to interpret, extract and assess important information.
- The ability to work with volume and be accurate.
- Customer service ethos, striving to continually improve.
- The ability to work on their own initiative and take ownership as well as working as part of a team.
- Proficient IT skills.
Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents. Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.
Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Ahmed Abdillahi, Senior Financial Assessments and Payments Officer, via Ahmed.Abdillahi@wokingham.gov.uk.
AI in Applications: We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Closing date: Thursday 27th August 2026 at 11pm
Interview date: w/c 07th September 2026
Senior Direct Payments Officer in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Jobs
Wokingham Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and numerous employee support programs, the council fosters professional growth and development within its DDaT Team, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in technology project management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Direct Payments Officer in Wokingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Direct Payments Officer in Wokingham
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 Wokingham Jobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wokingham Jobs! 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 Wokingham Jobs
✨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.
