ASC Direct Payments Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our Adults and Health Directorate as an ASC Direct Payment Officer and help empower individuals to take control of their care. Based at Walton Street, Aylesbury, you’ll play a key role in delivering a high-quality, person-centred Direct Payment service that promotes independence and wellbeing across Buckinghamshire.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

As an ASC Direct Payment Officer, you’ll manage the day-to-day processing of Direct Payment referrals within Adult Social Care. You’ll be the go-to expert for clients, families, and colleagues, explaining Direct Payment processes and resolving queries.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting up Direct Payment accounts and processing variations.
• Providing clear guidance and support to service users and stakeholders.
• Contributing to the monitoring of accounts to ensure proper use and escalating concerns where necessary.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to service improvements.
• Collaborating with professionals to deliver joined-up, strengths-based care.

This is a dynamic role where no two days are the same, and your work will directly impact the lives of vulnerable adults in our community.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You’ll bring a mix of financial and administrative expertise and a strong understanding of social care principles.

Key skills and attributes include:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to explain complex information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Confidence in using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Empathy and sensitivity when working with clients and families.

Ideally, you’ll have experience in a social care or public sector setting and knowledge of Direct Payments and relevant legislation. A relevant qualification (NVQ 3/HNC or equivalent) and a full driving licence are essential.

Please refer to the job summary attached for full details about the role.

Other information

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Jessica Renaud at [email protected]

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).

For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/