000A 6EE2 / 1 – Direct Payments Case Worker

Visiting people at home and working with clients, their families and external organisations to support them in making choices and arrangements to meet their assessed care needs. Providing advice and guidance in relation to statutory obligations and record keeping.

Monitoring and managing client financial information to audit spend.

·                     Daily contact via phone, e-mail and face to face with service users, their representatives, internal and external partners.

·                     Liaise with social care professionals to determine suitability for Direct Payments.

·                     Plan interventions and actions for cases assigned, and provide standard interventions such as advice, guidance and direct support to service users.

·                     Collate, monitor and review relevant case data for client case file and records.

·                     Securely receive and record client financial information, accounting for and auditing spend against eligibility criteria for Direct Payments.

·                     Signpost clients for welfare benefit checks and/or independent financial advice.

·                     Provide considered advice and support about Direct Payments to clients, their representatives and associated professionals to inform decision making.

·                     Contribute to team working, assisting with the training and support of Finance Assistants and more junior, auxiliary and/or voluntary staff.

·                     Gather information and liaise with colleagues from other agencies on day-to-day matters.

·                     Report back comprehensive and accurate information and observations from the field to line management for their authoritative opinion on action to be taken.

·                     Provide statistical information from system records

·                     Promote the Direct Payment service at internal meetings and at public events.

·                     Interrogate, record and maintain data on the core social care IT system ensuring the accuracy and availability of records

·                     ECDL/CLAIT

D

Required

·                    Substantial experience of relevant software packages (including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word)

·                    Understanding of Direct Payments processes, procedures and systems

·                    Understanding of relevant social care legislation (For example Care Act 2014)

·                    Knowledge of employment law and practices

·                    Demonstrable time management and organisational skills to meet conflicting demands and deadlines

·                    Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with clients and staff of all levels

·                    Analytical problem solving and judgemental skills

·                    Ability to deal with conflicting demands, managing time appropriately

·                    Experience of dealing with confidential, sensitive data

·                    Experience of direct contact with members of the public

·                    Ability and willingness to self-develop and keep up to date with relevant procedural and legislative changes

E

E

D

D

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

They are responsible for planning the most effective route to and from visits and for their own safety as a lone worker.

Direct Payments are governed by statutory legislation, local policies and procedures.

Decisions regarding suitability for Direct Payments to access care will be made independently in many instances.

·         Involves direct contact with members of the public, meeting them in their homes.

·         May involve direct contact with difficult service users and family members.

·         Dealing with Personal Assistants and agents employed by Service Users and/or their authorised persons

·         Advocate on behalf of clients e.g. HMRC, JobCentrePlus, Health Professionals, Payroll providers