Overall Purpose of Job

  • To provide an efficient, effective, comprehensive and expert Client Affairs function for Adults Social Care. To include all aspects of Court of Protection Deputyship, DWP appointeeship and property protection – in accordance with the London Borough of Newham’s policies and procedures and in accordance with all statutory requirements.
  • Coordinate, project manage, budget, plan and case manage for all allocated cases to include, Deputyship, Appointeeship, Property Protection and Sec46 Funerals.
  • To provide expert guidance, consultancy and support to council staff and external colleagues on DWP appointeeship, Court of Protection (property and affairs) and Mental Capacity Act legislation and practice.
  • Job Context

    The post holder reports to Senior Client Affairs Officer

  • The post holder has no line management responsibility
  • The post holder will be responsible for the caseload management of finances for vulnerable adults that lack the capacity to manage their own finances
  • The post holder will be required to work some evenings, as and when required to meet the demands of the service
  • Key Tasks and Accountabilities:

    Key tasks and accountabilities are intended to be a guide to the range and level of work expected of the post holder. This is not an exhaustive list of all tasks that may fall to the post holder and employees will be expected to carry out such other reasonable duties which may be required from time to time.

  • To actively engage in the development, maintenance and review of effective systems for performance monitoring and reporting on all aspects of the client financial affairs function. To include deputyship, appointeeship and property protection. In conjunction with operational managers and Finance to continuously improve departmental systems in line with financial best practice.
  • To support the function of selling and renting property. Where necessary, retaining and instructing estate agents, solicitors and other professionals in connection with the valuation, marketing and sale of properties. Liaising with professionals so as to invest clients’ funds appropriately & in their best interests. Commissioning services from, negotiating contracts with and building links with tradesman in connection with the clearing, renovation, upkeep and improvement of clients’ properties. Ensuring that these works are carried out within budget, to a satisfactory standard and in a timely fashion.
  • Responsible for the expert and effective discharge of the Appointeeship function. To include acting on behalf of, protecting and promoting the financial interests of clients, ensuring that all statutory obligations are fulfilled – including preparation/ submission of applications, maximising benefits, and accurately maintaining/ reconciling payments and accounts.
  • To be responsible for the expert, effective and timely management of the property protection function. Including the organisation of funerals under the provisions of section 46 of the Public Health Control of Diseases Act and when necessary protecting clients’ movable property under Section 48. National Assistance Act . To include the maintenance/ reconciliation of payments and accounts and initiating/ maintaining contact with relatives so as to be able to implement known funeral wishes.
  • To be responsible for the preparation, analysis and provision of accurate financial management information to be included in monthly performance reports.
  • To provide information and analysis in connection with the wide range of Adults’ service plans and reviews. Where necessary initiating/ organising/ attending safeguarding, financial and service plan reviews at venues such as supported housing schemes, residential accommodation, sheltered accommodation and clients’ own homes.
  • In relation to complex matters such as statutory returns – and in order to ensure the maximisation of income due to the council and clients – to engage in effective liaison with government departments and statutory agencies such as the Office of the Public Guardian and Treasury Department.
  • Manage, review and plan clients’ budgets – including the reconciliation of client accounts, resolving financial issues, revising and resetting payment schedules and liaising with financial institutions.
  • Engage in and be responsible for effective liaison with internal and external audit. To include the accurate and efficient recording, filing and retention of information and maintenance of appropriate audit trails for subsequent retrieval.
  • To be responsible for the efficient, expert and timely production of accurate routine and ad-hoc management required information as and when required.
  • 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.