About the role
To provide an effective, customer focused support service to Providers and Adult Social Care
colleagues through effective use of systems and processes to deliver an efficient service. Is a
key contact for colleagues and service users for queries and manages more complex issues
as required.
To ensure an integrated approach the Payments Team through assisting with the
implementation of new technologies, methodologies and processes that meet the needs of
service users, customers and client organisation.
What will you be doing?
Oversee and ensure monthly payments to service users and providers is made in a timely and accurate way. Analyse the information, investigate and rectify any anomalies prior to any payments being made.
Provide effective employee management, improving performance, developing, appraising and rewarding team members.
ro-active monitoring of service users spend is undertaken, identifying any high balances and seeking refunds where necessary and escalating any inappropriate usage of direct payment monies to both MAP Management and Adult Social Care so early intervention can take place and corrective action taken.
Take responsibility and ownership on areas of the service where improvements could be made. Recognising and adapting to the changing needs of the service by making recommendations and implementing agreed changes to improve efficiency and the service provided
Support system implementations including conducting system testing and delivering training to staff on new system processes.
Work as part a team supporting your colleagues, mentoring Officers, Assistants and Apprentices to a high standard. Provide training to new Payment Officers as and when required to ensure high levels of standards are met.
Work collaboratively on projects that support developments and improvements for the Payments Team service in a professional and positive way.
Manage own workload, processing high quality information / data accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring that case notes are made and recorded to a high standard.
Embed customer service excellence within the team through contributing to the design of customer focussed processes, active participation in one-to-one meetings / the PADP process and own behaviours.
About you
This is an exciting permanent opportunity within West Northamptonshire Council with the Payments Team.
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Payments Officer to join the Payments Team.
The role will support the Payments Team Leader and will be responsible for the day to day operational management of payments relating to Adults and Children’s care packages.
This is a varied role and would suit someone that has, previous experience in a financial/administrative role, excellent organisational skills and a pro-active approach to meeting expectations for our Customers and Providers.
The successful candidate will be able to undertake various daily activities be an enthusiastic and motivated individual who has an ability to communicate at all levels, dealing with a variety of clients, third parties, government bodies and organisations.
You will need:
- Attention to detail.
- Role will include checking and approving payments, allowances and new care packages.
- Ability to make sound decisions, be a self-starter when investigating complex queries.
- Responding to day-to-day queries raised via various sources.
- To oversee payment runs to underpin and ensure Providers are paid to plan.
- To monitor and oversee the recovery of overpayments.
- Ability to learn new skills as necessary and identify improvement opportunities.
- Ability to line manage and motivate staff.
- Hybrid approach to working, main base will be at One Angel Square.
- A positive outlook and approach when responding to daily challenges
Our benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days annual leave per year, 28 days for senior managers (pro rata for part time employees), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Car Lease scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
- Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our workforce with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working. Recognising that not all roles can be carried out remotely or part remotely, some of our roles are assigned as fixed worker based out of one of our locations across West Northamptonshire.
- Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.
The council is in the process of implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions which will be applicable to this role. The outcome could result in a future variation to the advertised salary, and this will be discussed at interview.
About us
We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.
Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.
Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
