Support Worker

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking a Support Worker for the Direct Payments Team to provide vital support and advice to clients. The role includes setting up Direct Payment packages, managing a caseload, conducting home visits, and ensuring high-quality customer service across both children and adult services. Applicants should have relevant experience in a multi-agency context and hold specific qualifications in Health and Social Care.

Benefits

27 days holiday, rising to 32 days after five years

Flexible working schemes including job sharing and compressed hours

Hybrid working model

Excellent pension scheme (LGPS)

Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy, varied role with a good understanding of administrative tasks.
• Ability to manage a caseload and provide ongoing support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with initial setup of Direct Payment packages.
• Conduct home visits and verify documentation.
• Provide high-quality customer service and guidance on Direct Payments legislation.

Skills

Experience in a multi-agency environment

Good understanding of administrative tasks

Education

5 GCSEs including English Language (9-4/A-C grades) or equivalent

NVQ/Apprenticeship Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Support Worker to work within the Direct Payments Team to provide advice and support to people accessing Direct Payments.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You will assist with the initial set up of a Direct Payment package and provide ongoing support to existing recipients. Responsibilities include managing your own caseload.

You will conduct home visits for setting up direct payments and verify documentation for DBS checks.

Working across both children and adult services, including using different case management systems, part of the role will be providing guidance to staff on legislation and requirements for Direct Payments.

You will provide high-quality customer service, offering advice and signposting to service users.

We encourage you to contact Dawn Rogers - Team Manager, Direct Payments, at [e-mail] or telephone [phone], or Rachael Barnes - Senior Support Worker at [e-mail] or telephone [phone], to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

This is a busy and varied role requiring experience working within a multi-agency environment.

A good understanding of computers and administrative tasks is valuable. On-the-job training will be provided, but skills in administrative or computer-based roles are beneficial.

Required Qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs including English Language (9-4/A-C grades) or equivalent
• NVQ/Apprenticeship Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Please refer to the attached person specification for full criteria.

If successful, you will need to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday, rising to 32 days after five years
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave
• Flexible working schemes including job sharing, compressed hours, and flexi-time
• Hybrid working (home and office)
• Excellent pension scheme (LGPS), with top-up options
• Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme
• Discounted gym memberships
• Staff networks for diversity and inclusion groups
• Trade Union membership

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. More info: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us for updates on new opportunities:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

HYBRID WORKING

We operate a hybrid model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days remote, adaptable for part-time roles and at manager discretion.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to fair and equitable employment policies. We welcome applications from all, including disabled people, and support throughout the process. Details: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held the week commencing 21st July 2025.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet all essential criteria and indicate they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, care leaver, or veteran.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal; CVs are not accepted. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section to demonstrate your relevant experience, skills, and knowledge.

If you need support applying, contact our Recruitment Helpdesk at 03000 26 27 27 (option 1 AHS) or email [e-mail].

We collect and process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice: https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

All communication regarding your application will be sent to the email registered with North East Jobs. Please check your email, including junk mail, after the closing date.