Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer

Durham County Council; Tudhoe; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a dedicated Financial Assessment and Benefits Officer in Tudhoe. The role involves assessing customer contributions towards Adult Social Care, conducting financial assessments, and ensuring timely service delivery. Candidates should have NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent, with a focus on customer service skills and legislation knowledge. This position offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

27 days holiday per year

Hybrid working options

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in assessing contributions towards Adult Social Care services.
• Ability to deliver high-quality customer service.
• Knowledge of Adult Social Care Charging legislation.

Responsibilities

• Assess individual customer contributions towards Adult Social Care services.
• Process workload efficiently to meet service standards.
• Conduct financial assessments and calculate entitlement to care charges.

Skills

Customer-focused

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

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.

WHAT IS INVOLVED
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.

WHAT WILL I NEED
You should have NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or recognised professional administrative qualification.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Enhanced Disclosure.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.