Employer Support Advisor – Selkirk – 3202 Encompass

Encompassborders; Selkirk; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Borders Direct Payment Agency, trading as Encompass, invites applications for an Employer Support Advisor based in Selkirk. You will support clients across the Berwickshire area by telephone, letter, email and home visits where required. Starting salary £33,160.40 with a 35 hour week.

The role focuses on Self-directed Support and Direct Payments, helping people become employers and manage their own care. You will liaise with payroll, HMRC requirements and social care partners, maintain records,

Qualifications

• A good standard of education, including at least Standard Grade English and Maths.
• Excellent listening skills and a non-judgemental, empathetic approach.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• A supportive, people-focused manner and a positive outlook.
• Competent office skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, email and the internet.
• Accurate record-keeping and numerical skills.
• Access to personal transport for work, with business insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with support and advice on Self-directed Support and Direct Payments, in line with individual contracts and outcome-focused support plans issued by Scottish Borders Council.
• Support people to become employers, including preparing job descriptions, recruiting staff, issuing employment contracts, setting pay rates, meeting health and safety requirements, and arranging training.
• Help clients budget effectively and retain control of their care and funds.
• Maintain efficient, accurate and up-to-date records of client correspondence.
• Liaise with payroll and administration staff about the payroll service.
• Liaise with the finance team responsible for auditing clients’ Direct Payment bank accounts.
• Keep up to date with employment law through liaison with insurers.
• Keep up to date with Self-directed Support legislation and relevant HM Revenue and Customs requirements.
• Work within the organisation’s confidentiality policy and comply with all policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, agencies, local authorities and other organisations as required.
• Work in partnership with social work, health services, care providers and voluntary organisations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Listening skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Training willingness

Empathy

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

IT skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, e‑

Education

Standard Grade English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Email & Internet

Job description

Borders Direct Payment Agency trading as Encompass

Job Description

Post title: Employer Support Advisor

Starting Salary: £33,160.40

35 hours per week

Overall Purpose

Encompass offers employer support to help people recruit, organise and manage their own care staff.

We specialise in supporting people assessed as needing community care who choose to manage their own care through Self-directed Support and a Direct Payment.

Based in our Selkirk office, you will provide information and support to clients, mainly across the Berwickshire area, by telephone, letter, email and home visits where required.

Principal Duties

• Provide clients with support and advice on Self-directed Support and Direct Payments, in line with individual contracts and outcome-focused support plans issued by Scottish Borders Council.

• Support people to become employers, including preparing job descriptions, recruiting staff, issuing employment contracts, setting pay rates, meeting health and safety requirements, and arranging training.
• Help clients budget effectively and retain control of their care and funds.
• Maintain efficient, accurate and up-to-date records of client correspondence.
• Liaise with payroll and administration staff about the payroll service.
• Liaise with the finance team responsible for auditing clients’ Direct Payment bank accounts.
• Keep up to date with employment law through liaison with insurers.
• Keep up to date with Self-directed Support legislation and relevant HM Revenue and Customs requirements.
• Work within the organisation’s confidentiality policy and comply with all policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, agencies, local authorities and other organisations as required.
• Work in partnership with social work, health services, care providers and voluntary organisations.

• This job description outlines the main duties and level of responsibility for the post. It is not exhaustive, and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time as required.

Person Specification

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to use initiative and manage multiple tasks.
• Reliable, trustworthy and discreet.
• Able to work well under pressure.
• Able to contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Willing to undertake training.
• Committed to empowering disabled people and applying the social model of disability.

Essential

• A good standard of education, including at least Standard Grade English and Maths.

• Excellent listening skills and a non-judgemental, empathetic approach.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• A supportive, people-focused manner and a positive outlook.
• Competent office skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, email and the internet.
• Accurate record-keeping and numerical skills.
• Access to personal transport for work, with business insurance.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Good understanding of employment law, HM Revenue and Customs processes, and payroll.

• Understanding of community care issues and Self-directed Support.
• Experience of supporting people with community care needs and an understanding of disability issues.

Additional hours may be available for project work, events or staff cover, subject to mutual agreement.

Encompass is the trading name of Borders Direct Payment Agency, a registered Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee.