Deputyship Caseworker

**About the role**

**Deputyship Caseworker**

Fixed Term - 18 Months duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per Week

Up to £24,649 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

**This position is being offered as a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment for a period of 18 months. Working Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm**

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 Case Officers, or managing a caseload of their own, a Deputyship Caseworker will be responsible for the following.

**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 manage clients affairs in accordance with standards expected of a public authority deputy.
- To make, monitor and maintain state benefit claims for adults living in care homes.
- To complete and maintain financial assessments for adults living in care homes.
- Gain insight into clients to support best interest decisions.
- Perform deputy visits in care homes
- Prepare annual deputy reports for adults living in care homes
- Making sure clients in care homes receive their personal expense allowance.

**The Experience You Will Bring**
- Educated to A level or equivalent by experience
- Evidence of knowledge in the provision of a local authority deputy and appointee service.
- Good understanding of 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.
- Working knowledge about maintaining Pension Credit & Income Related Employment and Support Allowance claims for people living in care homes.
- Knowledge about maintaining Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment claims for people living in care homes.
- Know how to get appropriate advice and expertise on Social Security benefits, including eligibility criteria.
- Know about The Care Act, public authority funding and charges for care.
- The ability to reconcile accounts and identify and investigate anomalies on accounts
- Experience of completing annual deputy reports.
- Experience of visiting vulnerable clients
- A good decision maker.
- Works well alone, as part of a small buddy group and as part of a team
- Experience of working full time between an office and home doing case work or administrative work
- Is an organised finisher of tasks and works with an attention to detail.

To read more about us please visit: Corporate Services

**Why Essex?**

Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest - Basildon and Harlow - are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

**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.**

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Further details can be found on our careers page.