Deputyship Caseworker

Fixed Term, Full Time

Up to £22,664.40 Per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: 25th March 2021

Please note this is a 12 month fixed term contract

Essex County Council (ECC) has a vision to make our County a place which provides the best possible quality of life for all who live and work here. One of the key priorities is the protection of vulnerable adults. The Deputyship Team performs an innovative, exceptional, positive role in achieving this priority.

The Deputyship Team is appointed by The Court of Protection to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the County. Managing all aspects of the property and financial affairs of un-befriended people, who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs. A caseworker supports the team's professional, experienced Case Officers and Team Manager to meet the standards expected of a public authority deputy so that our clients' best interests are always met.

Working directly to Deputyship Team Case Officers, or managing a caseload of their own, a Deputyship Team Caseworker will be responsible for reconciling accounts of money administered by the clients' paid care providers, claiming state benefits, scrutinising and paying clients' bills, preparing annual reports and routine administrative tasks.

Role responsibilities

• Responsible for reconciling and investigating queries on clients' accounts to ensure high levels of safeguarding.
• Responsible for scrutinising and paying clients' bills in a timely manner to ensure excellent customer service.
• To carry out tasks to help ensure the team meets the standards expected of a public authority deputy.
• To make and monitor state benefit claims.
• To administer all aspects of a prepaid card process.
• Gain insight into the individual client to support case managers to make appropriate best interest decisions.
• Prepare an annual account and report for each client, to ensure high levels of safeguarding and transparency.
• Contribute to making decisions which support social workers, care providers and family members to help clients live independently of Adult Social Care.
• Carry out administrative tasks and casework support, including use of the case management system.
• Contribute to the development of current and future business opportunities to ensure a sustainable service.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Educated to RQF Level 3 (A level) or equivalent by experience you will have knowledge in the provision of a local authority deputy and appointee service, and an understanding of The Care Act, public authority funding and charges for care, The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice, including an understanding of how the five statutory principles of the MCA are applied within working practices.

You should have experience of obtaining appropriate advice and expertise on Social Security benefits, including eligibility criteria, with excellent communication skills. You should also have a practical understanding of physical, emotional and attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities.

You should have experience of writing/recording clear and accurate reports, decisions, actions, and objective notes along with reconciling accounts with the ability to identify and investigate anomalies

You will be keen to develop skills and knowledge within the role, and we welcome applications from workers in the care and social care industry, the DWP and other Local Authorities.

As part of employment with Essex County Council 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. For further information on the DBS update service please visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. For more information please use the following link: https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

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.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please email or call us on 0333 013 5888. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16.30.