Financial Assessment and Benefits

**Why should I choose Somerset Council?**
It is an exciting time to join us in Somerset. We have changed the way we work to focus on promoting independence for everyone - so that people can do the things that matter most to them and live the life they want to live.

We are doing things differently to put the person at the centre of everything we do and to look creatively at how we can meet people’s needs in a better way.

If you work for us, we will give you the freedom to be innovative, to influence change and to really touch people’s lives.

The base locations available are Taunton, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil.
We also promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.**What will I be doing?**
We’re working to improve the lives of people here in Somerset - and you’ll be a key part of that. As a **Financial Assessments and Benefits Officer**, your day-to-day work will involve:

- Providing really useful information and advice to people and their families on all aspects of the DWP benefits system.
- Undertaking financial assessments, assisting people with their claim forms and promoting the take up of benefits.
- Having positive conversations with people and making sure that they understand the financial assessment process fully.
- Signposting people to relevant information, advice and local services. It is part of your role to encourage people to be independent, to help them grow their confidence and make the most of the support available in their local community.
- Providing support to colleagues and advise them on the DWP benefits system and financial assessment process.

You will influence the development of the service; you will bring your ideas to the table, and you will be encouraged to make improvements to ways of working.**What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?**
We are looking for people who are not afraid to do things differently to create support that is better for people. We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you are:

- Good at problem solving
- Excellent at communicating with people
- Creative and innovative
- Forward thinking and full of new ideas
- Able to make things happen and work at pace

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a car or bicycle for work.
- Staff benefit scheme offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits, holidays, gym membership and more.

**Anything else I should know?**
The salary for the role is Grade 12, ranging from £24,496 to £27,852 per annum

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Gayle Bullett on 01935 463570 or Paula Beazley on 01278 447707.

If you see Somerset County Council referenced anywhere in this advert or it’s supporting documents, please assume we are referring to Somerset Council. The advertised job description, pay and terms and conditions remain the same.

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
Job Reference: SCC04138

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £24,496.00-£27,852.00 per year