Direct Payments Officer

About the role
To provide an effective, customer focused support service to direct payment service users and Adult Social Care colleagues through effective use of systems and processes to deliver an efficient service. Be a key contact for colleagues and service users for queries and manages more complex issues when required. To ensure an integrated approach to Direct Payments for Financial Operations through assisting with the implementation of new technologies, methodologies and processes that meet the needs of service users, customers and client organisation. To identify and investigate potential situations where service users may not be managing their direct payments in an appropriate way and to recommend actions to address any issues.

What will you be doing?
Assist in the development and maintenance of business processes to support Senior Officers and Team Leaders. Assist, coach, and mentor less experience colleagues in the performance of routine tasks to support the achievement of individual colleagues and team performance and development objectives. Arrange all aspects of internal, inter-agency and inter-departmental meetings as requested and minute meetings as required whilst maintaining a high degree of confidentiality for all information handled. Maintain information technology and office systems to ensure effective services including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams etc. Provide an efficient and confidential support service to Senior Managers. Handle a wide range of more detailed queries including correspondence referred by colleagues and partners and provide a point of contact for staff within the division. Plan, co-ordinate and implement personal diary and meeting schedules to ensure that business is completed within service standards and meets business requirements. Initiate and build good working relationships with colleagues and other professionals Gather data and financial information relating to the work area to support in the production of management reports and information on service performance to meet service area requirements. Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs. Carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope, and purpose of this job description and which are commensurate with the grade of the post. This job description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder and identifies a level of responsibility at which they will be required to work. In the interests of effective working, the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and any consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder

About you
We are looking for someone who has an in-depth experience of working in a Financial operations environment, adopts a flexible approach to work, with excellent communication and negotiation skills. You will also be able to demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative and to work with the other managers and senior officers to improve performance and move the service forward.

**We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees including**:

- 27 days annual leave per year, 28 days for senior managers (pro rata for part time employees), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year..
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
- Working in a supportive team where ideas are shared and opinions valued, you will receive regular informal and formal supervision and the opportunity to be part of and learn from multi-agency working.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme - We have a free Employee Assistant Programme which is available for you and your immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.

The council is in the process of implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions which will be applicable to this role. The outcome could result in a future variation to the advertised salary, and this will be discussed at interview

About us
We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our cor