Senior Finance Assistant

Job title: Senior Finance Assistant

Salary: B3 £27,274 - £29,071

Hours: 37 (Full Time)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House (Hybrid Working)

An exciting opportunity has arisen Leeds City Council’s Adult Operational Services, to become part of the Financial Assessments Team.

Adults Operational Services Team provides several services including financial assessments to ascertain financial assistance for care services provided, invoicing of assessed client financial charge for non-residential services, Deputyship and Estate Management, Audit of Direct Payments and Payment of invoices for Home Care provision.

The Financial Assessments Team carry out financial assessments, for people receiving care and support in both a Residential and Community setting, to calculate the level of financial assistance they qualify for towards the costs of their care and support from Leeds City Council. Officers' role is to Investigate queries raised by Residential care homes regarding the customers care fees in line with the Council’s charging policy and the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations (2014).

The successful candidate will be involved in interrogating the Customer Information System on receipt of a Residential care home query; liaising with internal colleagues and social workers in relation to any enquiries and disputes, to ensure that financial assessments are completed accurately, and service users are only required to contribute the amount they can afford to pay for their Residential placement.

Reporting to: Assistant Finance Manager and Finance Officer.

You’ll be highly motivated, organised, with a keen eye for detail. Alongside this, you’ll ideally have lots of personal initiative, and enthusiasm, to take up this position.

Working with highly skilled and experienced colleagues, you’ll develop your own skill set further with regard to benefits knowledge, financial assessment in a Social Care setting.

Candidates must have a proven track record with regard to customer service; being an articulate and capable communicator both in writing and via telephone, alongside harnessing an empathetic approach.

This position is created against the backdrop of significant financial challenge for the authority, with greater need than ever to ensure that income is collected where it is due. To enable this, it’s imperative that processes and communications are continually reviewed and that we can achieve great, and consistent outcomes.

Applications are welcome from all internal and external candidates, particularly from individuals who have an excellent understanding of Adult Social Care, financial assessment and benefits.

Prior experience of financial assessments is not essential, since specific training will be provided.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Finance Assistant you will bring to the role:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), including strong customer service skills
• An elevated level of IT literacy with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and be able to input and analyse spreadsheet data.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records.
• You need to be a team player, with the willingness to learn and the ability to understand the needs of our customers.
• Be a self-motivator, who is highly organised, have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and be able to work to deadlines.

About the role

You will work in a busy operational finance department; your responsibilities will include:

• Interrogating the Customer Information System on receipt of a Residential care home query
• Liaising with internal colleagues and social workers in relation to any enquiries and disputes, to ensure that financial assessments are completed accurately, and service users are only required to contribute the amount they can afford to pay for their Residential placement.
• Managing the team’s email inbox and allocate incoming queries to other team members.
• Dealing with telephone enquiries and provide general administrative support.

Ideally, you will have experience in a customer service environment, demonstrating patience and empathy. You’ll be comfortable dealing with clients’ representatives, support workers, and third parties sensitively, while ensuring compliance with Information Governance legislation.

You’ll also work with colleagues across the Council and external agencies, requiring:

• The ability to interpret legislation and financial policies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Initiative and independence in managing tasks to tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in using various computerised systems.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work amid frequent interruptions.

You’ll be a critical thinker, motivated by making a difference, and a team player who works harmoniously with others to achieve shared goals.

Successful candidate will need to have a GCSE level C or above in both English Language and Maths or the equivalent.

Working Arrangements

The team operates a hybrid working model. You will be expected to work from Merrion House at least one day per week.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you would like an informal discussion, please contact

Zoe Smith, Assistant Financial Manager Zoe.Smith@leeds.gov.uk 0113 535 0038

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Special conditions this post is subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

Job Purpose:

To assist with the provision of a comprehensive financial support service to the Adult Operational Services team within Adult & Health Directorate.

The Adult Operational Services team provides a number of services for Adult Social Care including financial assessments to ascertain qualifying financial assistance for care services, billing and debt management for assessed chargeable services, Deputyship and Estate Management, Audit of Direct Payment Agreements and payments to providers of Home Care services.

The overarching aim is to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach to the provision of Adult Operational Services (AOS) by:

• Providing an efficient support service to senior managers, and staff within the AOS team
• Providing a flexible service and be reactive to priorities.
• Providing timely financial information and support to officers/Social Workers, clients or their representatives, independent providers and outside agencies, as appropriate within information governance guidance, to enable them to make better informed decisions.
• Aiming to maximise the council's financial resources within levels of acceptable risk.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.

Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Dealing with incoming mail and emails and it’s timely distribution.
• Dealing with telephone queries and signposting where appropriate
• Dealing with queries of a sensitive nature, ensuring information governance rules are adhered to at all times in the interest of the client.
• Advice on aspects of legislation and welfare benefits
• Assisting with the production of letters to clients and/or providers of services, and appropriate reminder letters issued as required.
• Assisting with administration of team processes as required
• Filing and scanning documents correctly
• Ensuring databases and record management systems are updated accurately and timely.
• Liaison with other Council services and external organisations
• Assistance with banking arrangements and appropriate recording
• Assistance with monitoring of debts
• Assistance with payments on behalf of clients
• Using computer systems to analyse and collate data and use it to produce reports, adding value to financial data with minimal levels of supervision.
• Assistance with the compilation of statistics for Management Information purposes
• Resolving queries of a financial nature with minimum levels of supervision.
• Assistance with stock control and ordering of stationery as required.
• Reporting potential fraud or safeguarding concerns promptly
• To assist in the promotion of the service and present a good image of the service and the Authority.
• To ensure the provision of an effective, efficient and confidential service to our customers
• To be a proactive member of the team, identifying areas for improvement in a constructive manner
• Work unsupervised, using your own initiative to adhere to sometimes conflicting deadlines and be reactive to service priorities.
• Be committed to safer working arrangements.
• Supporting staff and assist with developing new team members.

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the service may require the job holder to undertake duties commensurate with the level of the role. The Council has adopted a flexible protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters

Qualifications

Holds a GCSE level C or above in English Language or equivalent and Maths or equivalent or expects to gain a GCSE level C or above in English Language or equivalent and Maths or equivalent in results due.

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Skills required

• Ability to use a computerised system to accurately input, update and interrogate client information.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills using a variety of media.
• Ability to work on own initiative to adhere to timescales and deadlines.
• Ability to undertake administrative duties as required.
• Ability to pass and receive information accurately and securely.
• Ability to prioritise workload with frequent interruptions.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills and the ability to deal with complex tasks.
• Able to work flexibly and as part of a team to achieve service priorities.

Knowledge required

• Knowledge of applications, systems and IT programmes utilised by the service.
• Knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations and an understanding of personal accountability
• An awareness of services available within Adults & Health
• Knowledge of legislation and welfare benefits applicable to Adults and Health services.
• Knowledge of the Council Value

Experience required

• Experience of using one’s own initiative.
• Experience of working within a team where flexibility of response is required.
• Experience of communicating with a variety of individuals using a range of media
• Experience of being pro-active in identifying areas for improvement in a constructive manner
• Experience of dealing positively with challenging situations, either face to face or by phone.

Essential behavioural and other characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures
• Carry out duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of local policies and current legislation applicable to chargeable services for Adults and Health services
• Knowledge of welfare benefits available.

Experience Required

• Experience of working with elderly, disabled or vulnerable client group.
• Experience of dealing with stressful and sometimes aggressive clients or their representatives
• Experience of contributing to the implementation of service developments