Assistant finance officer

Description:

he post holder oversees a caseload of Deputyship and Appointeeship clients, safeguarding the financial wellbeing of vulnerable adults who lack capacity to manage their own finances. Acting under Court of Protection and Department for Work and Pensions authority, the role supports the Council’s legal responsibilities as a Public Authority Deputy or Corporate Appointee, ensuring all actions are taken in clients’ best interests and in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Office of the Public Guardian standards.

1) Oversee a designated caseload of Deputyship and Appointeeship clients, ensuring financial affairs are administered in line with Court of Protection Orders, DWP Appointeeship authorisations, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and OPG Deputy Standards, working within defined procedures and with access to supervisory support.

2)Undertake financial assessments and reviews within established procedures, reconciling income, savings, debts and liabilities to establish accurate financial positions that inform case management decisions, escalating to a senior colleague where cases exceed standard parameters.

3)Maintain and monitor state benefits and pension arrangements, ensuring entitlements are maximised, changes are reported, and straightforward incorrect decisions are challenged where appropriate to safeguard clients’ income, referring complex benefit matters to a senior colleague.

4)Develop and maintain individual spending plans within agreed frameworks, ensuring financial commitments are met including care costs, housing, utilities and debts, organisation of funeral arrangements and completion of initial steps of the deceased process. Administration of personal spending allowances that meet each client’s needs and promote their independence and financial wellbeing.

2 days a week in the office - 3 days remote. First two weeks would be full time in the office