Independent Living Advisor (ILA)

Barrie Bookkeeping & Payroll Solutions Ltd; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Company pension scheme

Mileage reimbursement for travel

Death in Service benefit

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Supportive working environment

Additional development opportunities

Job summary

Barrie Bookkeeping Chester is seeking an Independent Living Advisor to support individuals who receive Direct Payments, helping them plan budgets, access care, and manage payroll and contracts with local authorities. You will visit customers, provide guidance, prepare employment contracts for Personal Assistants, and work with colleagues to deliver person-centred support in the local community.

The role offers a full-time schedule (33.5 hours/week) with mileage reimbursement and a supportive,

Qualifications

• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals or groups.
• Background in advice, guidance, customer service, social care, health, housing, or other people-focused roles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and explain complex information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills to manage a varied workload, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support individuals who receive Direct Payments, helping them to make informed decisions about their care and support arrangements.
• Assist customers with Direct Payment documentation, budget planning, and initial costings to ensure they can confidently manage their funding.
• Explain payroll services, employment responsibilities, and prepaid card processes in a clear and accessible way.
• Prepare and issue employment contracts for Personal Assistants, supporting customers to become confident employers.
• Develop person-centred support plans tailored to each individual's needs, goals, and lifestyle.
• Build positive, professional relationships with customers, providing ongoing advice and guidance throughout their Direct Payment journey.
• Conduct occasional home visits across the local area to offer face-to-face support and review individual circumstances.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for customers.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all documentation is completed in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Customer service

Proactive/self-motivated

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job title:Independent Living Advisor (Chester) Permanent

Reporting to:Office Manager

Location:Chester, CH1 2LF

Job purpose

Barrie Bookkeeping Chester is seeking a motivated and enthusiasticIndependent Living Advisor to join our growing team. We act as a brokerage service on behalf of Local Authorities, supporting individuals who receiveDirect Paymentsto manage their care and support needs effectively. Our role is to provide guidance, administration, and payroll support, helping people maintain independence and control over their care arrangements.

As an Independent Living Advisor, you will play an important role in supporting our day-to-day operations while developing valuable administrative and customer service skills. You will work closely with experienced colleagues to assist with providing guidance on budgets, payroll, recruitment and helping customers access the care and support they need in the local community.

This is a role where your guidance genuinely changes people's lives.

About the employer

Barrie Bookkeeping and Payroll Solutions Limited works in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council to support children and adults who receive Direct Payments to get the most out of their care budget and achieve their care goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide and support individuals who receive Direct Payments, helping them to make informed decisions about their care and support arrangements.
• Assist customers with Direct Payment documentation, budget planning, and initial costings to ensure they can confidently manage their funding.
• Explain payroll services, employment responsibilities, and prepaid card processes in a clear and accessible way.
• Prepare and issue employment contracts for Personal Assistants, supporting customers to become confident employers.
• Develop person-centred support plans tailored to each individual's needs, goals, and lifestyle.
• Build positive, professional relationships with customers, providing ongoing advice and guidance throughout their Direct Payment journey.
• Conduct occasional home visits across the local area to offer face-to-face support and review individual circumstances.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for customers.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all documentation is completed in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation.

Type of person that we are looking for:

• Experience supporting vulnerable, disadvantaged, or marginalised individuals, with a genuine passion for helping people achieve greater independence and choice.
• A background in advice, guidance, customer service, social care, health, housing, or other people-focused roles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and explain complex information in a clear and supportive manner.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise tasks effectively, and work to deadlines.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the confidence to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team environment.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle, as travel throughout the local area is required.
• A flexible, empathetic, and person-centred approach, with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to customers.

Hours of work: Full time, 33.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

Rate of pay: To be discussed at interview (meets National Minimum Wage).

What we offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlement, pro rata for part-time employees.
• Access to a company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
• Mileage reimbursement for all authorised work-related travel.
• Death in Service benefit, providing additional peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering free and confidential wellbeing, financial, and emotional support.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where your contribution is valued.
• Additional employee benefits and development opportunities, which will be discussed during the interview process.