Deputyship Caseworker

Deputyship Caseworker

Permanent, Full Time

£25,081 to £27,653 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: Tuesday 15th July 2025 at 11.59pm

It is said that the quality of a society is determined by the quality and commitment to the care it provides the most vulnerable in it. Essex County Council has a vision to make the county a place which provides the very best quality of life for everyone who lives and works here, and we see the protection and care of the county’s most vulnerable adults as an absolute priority.

Deputyship forms a vital part of this. We’re there for when someone has nobody who’s willing or able to act on their behalf to manage their financial affairs when they no longer have the mental capacity to do so on their own. We protect them from financial abuse and support them to live a more independent, better-quality life. It’s hugely rewarding. Always interesting. And rarely are two days them same. And what’s more, you’re working for an organisation that really supports its employees. Training, work-life balance, and one that fosters genuine collaboration and teamwork.

To learn more about the role that the Deputyship team plays please view this video

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 or 2 days per week, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired. Working Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Corporate Services and Transformation

The Opportunity

Essex County Council (ECC) has a vision to make our County a place which provides the best possible quality of life for all who live and work here. One of the key priorities is the protection of vulnerable adults. The Deputyship Team performs an innovative, exceptional, positive role in achieving this priority.

The Deputyship Team is appointed by The Court of Protection to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the County. Managing all aspects of the property and financial affairs of un-befriended people, who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs. A caseworker supports the team’s professional, experienced Case Officers and Team Manager to meet the standards expected of a public authority deputy so that our clients’ best interests are always met.

Working directly to Deputyship Case Officers, or managing a caseload of their own, a Deputyship Caseworker will be responsible for the following.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for reconciling and investigating queries on clients’ accounts to ensure high levels of safeguarding.
• Responsible for scrutinising and paying clients’ bills in a timely manner to ensure excellent customer service.
• To manage client’s affairs in accordance with standards expected of a public authority deputy.
• To make, monitor and maintain state benefit claims for adults living in care homes.
• To report changes in circumstances related to Universal Credit claims.To complete and maintain financial assessments for adults living in care homes.
• Gain insight into clients to support best interest decisions.
• Perform deputy visits in care homes.
• Prepare annual deputy reports for adults living in care homes.
• Making sure clients in care homes receive their personal expense allowance.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential:

• Good understanding of The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice, including an understanding of how the five statutory principles of the MCA are applied within working practices.
• Good knowledge of The Care Act 2014, public authority funding and charging for care.
• Working knowledge about claiming and maintaining Pension Credit and Universal Credit.

Desirable:

• Knowledge about maintaining Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment claims for people living in care homes.
• Working knowledge about charging for care.
• Excellent communication skills with experience in writing clear and accurate letters, email, reports, decisions, and objective notes.
• Experience of visiting vulnerable clients and their carers.

You will be keen to develop skills and knowledge within the role, and we welcome applications from workers in the care and social care industry, the DWP and other Local Authorities.