Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer

North East Combined Authority; North East; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (home and office)

Local Government Pension Scheme

27 days annual leave

Job summary

North East Combined Authority is seeking a dedicated Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer based at Greenlane Council Offices, Spennymoor, 37 hours per week. You will assess customer contributions towards Adult Social Care services, providing accurate advice and gathering documentation to support entitlement calculations.

The role requires knowledge of Adult Social Care Charging legislation and the ability to work with internal teams and partners.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or an equivalent administrative qualification.
• Eligibility for DBS enhanced disclosure and safeguarding checks as required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective service to customers, ensuring prompt and efficient resolution of queries.
• Support the Team Leader in delivering the service in line with Council policies and regulations.
• Process allocated work efficiently, meeting performance targets and service standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Adult Social Care Charging legislation and Council procedures.
• Provide clear, accurate advice to customers and handle queries effectively.
• Conduct financial assessments and calculate entitlement to care charges, identify benefits entitlements the customer may be entitled to.
• Visit customers to assist with applications and gather supporting documentation.
• Maximise income for both customers and the Council through accurate assessments and benefit identification.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to support service delivery.
• Mentor and support colleagues as needed, working independently to maintain high performance.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated and customer-focused Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer to join our team. Based at Greenlane Council Offices in Spennymoor working 37 hours per week in the Financial Assessment Team.

You will be responsible for assessing individual customer contributions towards Adult Social Care services, in line with legislation, case law, and Council procedures. Accuracy, timeliness, and a commitment to excellent service are key to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective service to customers, ensuring prompt and efficient resolution of queries.
• Support the Team Leader in delivering the service in line with Council policies and regulations.
• Process allocated work efficiently, meeting performance targets and service standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Adult Social Care Charging legislation and Council procedures.
• Provide clear, accurate advice to customers and handle queries effectively.
• Conduct financial assessments and calculate entitlement to care charges, identify benefits entitlements the customer may be entitled to.
• Visit customers to assist with applications and gather supporting documentation.
• Maximise income for both customers and the Council through accurate assessments and benefit identification.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to support service delivery.
• Mentor and support colleagues as needed, working independently to maintain high performance.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is passionate about helping others.

Should you like further information regarding this post, we encourage you to contact Eleanore Stoves via email [e-mail] for an informal discussion about this role.

WHAT WILL I NEED

You should have NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or recognised professional administrative qualification.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 30th November 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.