Senior Direct Payment Officer

Job description

Advert Text

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Merton’s Direct Payments Team for a motivated and dynamic Senior Direct Payments Officer to join our team.

We are looking for someone with strong financial acumen, excellent problem-solving skills, and proven supervisory or management experience. You will play a key role in supporting the team with day-to-day operations, including onboarding residents to the Direct Payments service and helping them maintain independence within their local community.

At Merton, our Direct Payments Service is resident-focused. We empower individuals to make informed choices about their care and support, enabling them to live independently and with dignity. As a Senior Officer, you will be instrumental in helping residents manage their allocated budgets effectively and access services tailored to their needs.

Key Responsibilities
• Supervise and support Direct Payment Officers in their daily tasks.
• Oversee client activity and ensure accurate and timely management of payments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external care providers to deliver high-quality support.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies related to direct payments and adult social care.
• Provide expert guidance to residents on managing their care budgets and accessing appropriate services.

About You
• Previous experience in a similar role, ideally within local government or social care.
• Strong understanding of direct payments legislation and adult social care frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team while managing complex caseloads.
• Commitment to promoting independence and choice for residents.
• Willingness to be an innovator, improving systems and processes.

If you are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and have the skills and experience to lead in a fast-paced, resident-centred environment, we would love to hear from you.

Social Care is special here

Come and work in a supportive environment at Merton Council, where you’ll do a social care role that matters in a place where you matter.

Our ‘social care roles/staff’ do important jobs, and we’re focused on looking after you so you can look after others.

Our people stay because we have a great culture, and staff tell us their colleagues are the best thing about working here.

You’ll work in a great team with knowledgeable, supportive managers and lots of recognition and reward.

You’ll support people to live well in Merton, to maintain their independence, stay at home and improve their safety and quality of life.

Merton Council is focused on prevention, and we work closely with our partners to enable people to live fulfilling and meaningful lives in their homes for longer.

This could be through connecting people socially in their communities, adding adjustments such as handrails or receiving care at home.

You are empowered to help people make the best decisions about their care.

Everyone deserves to live with dignity and your invaluable role will change people’s lives for the better every day.

We’re here to help people live meaningful lives in Merton.

This role requires you to work in the office 3 days per week and 2 days from home.

For informal discussions please contact Shahina Chowdhury via email : shahina.chowdhury@merton.gov.uk or telephone on 0208 545 4416.