Direct Payments Officer

Slough Borough Council; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Tax-free childcare

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking a Direct Payment Officer to join the Adults team. The role focuses on implementing self-directed support plans via direct payments to promote independence and personalise care within a Personal Budget.

You will advise individuals on establishing direct payments, opening prepayment cards or managed accounts, and supporting them to employ carers or purchase services to live independently at home.

Qualifications

• Experience in implementing self-directed support plans with direct payments and Personal Budgets.
• Ability to provide advice, information and support to enable individuals to establish direct payments and use prepayment cards or managed accounts.
• Ability to monitor arrangements, reviews and ensure effectiveness of direct payment implementation.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of self-directed support plans through direct payments.
• Provide advice and support to enable individuals to set up direct payments and use prepayment cards or managed accounts.
• Monitor and review arrangements to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
• Manage a caseload and develop professional skills while prioritising tasks and deadlines.

Skills

Direct payments guidance

Caseload management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Job description

• Directorate:People - Adults
• Pay Level:5
• Salary Range:£31,153 - £36,700(Fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)
• Contract Type:Permanent
• Working Hours:37hours per week
• Location:Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid(minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement:Enhanced

The closing date for applications ismidnight on 22nd Novemeber 2026.

Interviews will be held week commencing 30th November 2026.

What you'll be doing:

As a member of the Direct Payment Officer team, you will support the implementation of self-directed support plans through direct payments to promote and maximise independence. You will assist individuals to arrange care and support that meets their agreed outcomes within their Personal Budget.

You will provide advice, information and support to enable individuals to establish direct payments and open prepayment cards or managed accounts. This will support them to employ their own carers or purchase services, activities or equipment that enable them to live independently in their own homes.

Monitoring and reviewing arrangements

You will help individuals understand their responsibilities as direct payment recipients; monitor their arrangements and support reviews to ensure those arrangements remain effective.

Caseload management and professional skills

The role provides the opportunity to manage a caseload, establish priorities and make decisions, while developing experience of working with individuals with care needs.

You will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines. You will work effectively on your own initiative and contribute to the work of the team.

Training and Development

Appropriate training will be provided in areas including personal budgets and direct payments, employment law and financial monitoring procedures.

We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate the drive, enthusiasm and commitment required for this role.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months' service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years' service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: [e-mail].

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.

Right to Work and Checks:

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please note we are unable to offer sponorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.