We are pleased to be able to offer an exciting opportunity in our deputyship team, a team that provides a service to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the county. We do this by getting appointed by The Court of Protection to manage all aspects of the property and financial affairs of unbefriended people who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs.
We are looking for a professional, experienced case officer to take responsibility for managing all aspects of a caseload of vulnerable adults living in residential care or the community. We are looking for a person who will exceed the standards expected of a public authority deputy so that our clients' best interests are always met.
The current role will include a chance to work with our client "onboarding" team, a fascinating role which includes researching, investigating and analysing clients' financial affairs.

Accountabilities

* Responsible for managing all aspects of a caseload of vulnerable service users residing in residential care and the community, identified by Social Workers as not having the mental capacity to manage their own property and financial affairs.
* Perform deputy visits to clients to ensure the deputy is acting in the client's best interests and maximising their quality of life from their assets.
* Exceedt the standards expected of a public authority deputy.
* Claim, collect and administer all benefits and other income, ensuring completion of the individual's tax affairs.
* Responsible for maintaining and protecting the client's home or dealing with their tenancy arrangements.
* Responsible for preparing and completing annual accounts and reports on individual clients to submit to the Office of the Public Guardian.
* Work collaboratively with the Council's practitioners to ensure the Deputy is meeting the needs of the service user, who is achieving the best quality of life from their available assets.
* Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

* Educated to A level or equivalent by experience
* Evidence of experience in the provision of a local authority deputy and appointee service.
* Good level of knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice, The Care Act and Welfare Benefits.
* Previous experience of managing a caseload and long-term task list, with a practical understanding of physical, emotional and attitudinal barriers facing disabled people.
* Experience in collating, analysing and interpreting data and using data management systems.
* Excellent communication skills with experience in writing clear and accurate procedures, guidance, reports, decisions and objective notes.
* Experience of lone working and visiting officer, with an understanding of charging for social care.
(Qualification certificates should be brought to interview)

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. Please view the benefits section of the Working for Essex website for more information.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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