Integrated Brokerage Support Officer (Direct Payments) – AR

Job Details

Job Title

Integrated Brokerage Support Officer (Direct Payments)

Service Area

Adult Social Care / Integrated Brokerage

Purpose of the Role

The Integrated Brokerage Support Officer will provide essential operational and financial support to the management of Direct Payments within Adult Social Care. The role focuses on ensuring Direct Payments are set up, monitored, and managed effectively, in line with care and support plans, financial regulations, and council policies. The post holder will contribute to promoting personalised care while ensuring public funds are used appropriately and transparently.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Payments Management

  • Monitor Direct Payment arrangements to ensure compliance with agreed care and support plans.
  • Review financial information, including expenditure records and account balances, to identify issues such as underspending, overspending, or misuse.
  • Support the resolution of Direct Payment queries from social workers, service users, carers, and finance teams.

Suspended Cases and Clawbacks

  • Manage suspended Direct Payment cases, including identifying reasons for suspension and supporting actions required for reinstatement.
  • Calculate and process clawbacks for overpaid or unspent Direct Payment funds in line with policy.
  • Liaise with service users, carers, and internal teams to explain decisions and recovery processes clearly and sensitively.

Direct Payment Set-Ups

  • Support the establishment of new Direct Payments, ensuring all required documentation, approvals, and financial checks are completed accurately.
  • Work closely with social workers and brokerage colleagues to ensure timely activation of payments.
  • Maintain accurate records on relevant case management and finance systems.

Purchase Orders and Financial Processes

  • Raise and manage Purchase Orders (POs) to support commissioned services linked to Direct Payments.
  • Ensure financial transactions align with agreed support plans and approved budgets.
  • Identify and resolve discrepancies or delays in payments to prevent disruption to care.

Partnership Working and Communication

  • Work collaboratively with social care professionals, finance teams, and external partners.
  • Provide clear guidance and information regarding Direct Payment processes and requirements.
  • Contribute to improving processes and uptake of Direct Payments across the borough.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Experience working in an administrative, finance, brokerage, or social care support role.
  • Understanding of Direct Payments, personal budgets, or financial processes within Adult Social Care.
  • Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Good communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly.
  • Competence in using IT systems, including case management and finance systems.

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a local authority or public sector environment.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance relating to Direct Payments and personalised care.
  • Experience of monitoring budgets or managing financial reconciliations.

Behaviours and Values

  • Commitment to personalised, person-centred care.
  • Professional, fair, and confidential approach to sensitive financial matters.
  • Proactive and solution-focused mindset.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Information

This role plays a key part in enabling people to have choice and control over their care while ensuring robust financial governance and value for money.