Direct Advisor

About the role

The Direct Payments Advisor role supports the delivery of duties under the Care Act 2014 by enabling individuals to exercise choice and control over how their assessed care and support needs are met.

• Provide advice and support to individuals receiving a Direct Payment, including the set-up of Direct Payments and advising on the responsibilities involved in employing staff and promoting good employment practice.
• Financially monitor individuals’ Direct Payment accounts, identifying and recovering surpluses where appropriate.
• Develop, promote, and support the take‑up and use of Direct Payments, enabling people to organise and manage their own support packages.
• Engage with social care teams to provide advice and support on the set‑up and ongoing management of Direct Payments.

Customer‑focused and well‑organised, with strong administrative, numeracy and communication skills, and the ability to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records. Confident handling sensitive information and applying policies and procedures, particularly in relation to financial monitoring, audit requirements and the appropriate use of public funds. Able to analyse information, monitor accounts and take appropriate action to resolve issues, including identifying risks and addressing misuse of funds.

Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners, taking a practical, solution‑focused approach to support residents and improve service delivery.

Experience of Direct Payments, customer finance or social care is desirable.

• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Work‑life balance options including hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
• Broad range of payroll benefits, including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working and is committed to offering employees a healthy work‑life balance. The Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months.