Welfare Benefits Officer (Court of Protection) in Havering

Client

Local Authority in Havering

Job Title

Welfare Benefits Officer (Court of Protection)

Pay Rate

£20.92 hourly PAYE/ £27.28 hourly UMB

Hours

35 Hours a week(Mon-Fri)

Duration

Initial 3 month contract

Location

HYBRID WORKING- Once fully trained, office based in Romford 1 day a week

Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Court of Protection Appointee & Deputyship Officer to provide an effective financial management service for vulnerable clients who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing clients' finances, ensuring they receive all benefits and entitlements they are eligible for, and managing their income and expenditure. The role requires regular engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, families, local authorities, benefit agencies, and other third parties.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Manage the day-to-day financial affairs of vulnerable clients who lack capacity.
• Monitor and manage all client income and expenditure.
• Assess, apply for, and maintain benefit entitlements.
• Ensure clients are receiving all benefits they are eligible for, including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and other welfare benefits.
• Calculate and collect applicable client fees.
• Produce and maintain quarterly financial reports.

Court of Protection & Deputyship Duties

• Support all Court of Protection and Deputyship-related activities.
• Manage client assets and financial matters, including private pensions where applicable.
• Arrange the closure of tenancies and utility accounts when required.
• Ensure compliance with Court of Protection requirements and processes.

Client Support & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients and a variety of external stakeholders.
• Conduct annual home visits for each client to review circumstances and welfare.
• Provide a high-quality, person-centred service that protects the interests of vulnerable individuals.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with families, next of kin, local authorities, healthcare professionals, and benefit agencies.

Bereavement & End-of-Life Administration

• Manage all necessary arrangements following a client's death.
• Liaise with next of kin and relevant organisations.
• Handle financial and administrative matters relating to bereavements and estate closure processes.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of the UK benefits system, including:
• Universal Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Attendance Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Other welfare benefits and entitlements
• Experience assessing benefit eligibility and managing claims.
• Strong administrative and financial management skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and managing sensitive situations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working within Court of Protection, Deputyship, Appointeeship, Adult Social Care, or a similar environment.
• Knowledge of Court of Protection processes and the responsibilities of Deputies and Appointees.

Working Arrangements

• Annual home visits required for all allocated clients.
• Following completion of training, the role will operate on a hybrid basis with an expectation of attending the office one day per week.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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