Financial Assessments & Benefits Officer x2

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

We are seeking a dedicated Financial Assessments & Benefits Officer to join our Financial Assessments & Benefits Team. The Team are responsible carrying out the means tested assessments to determine how much a person is expected to contribute towards their care services. We cover the whole of the county and work closely with our colleagues in the Adult Social Care Teams. The work is fast paced, high volume and varied. Some assessments are straight forward whereas others can be more complex requiring a lot of time and investigation.

In this role, you will; be required to carry out a range of activities working within existing procedures and in line with the Care Act Charging Regulations. You will resolve routine technical and process problems and queries, escalating the more complex to others.

You should, on occasion, be able to meet service users and/or their representatives in their own homes, hospital or other suitable location or process user submitted financial assessments ensuring that all relevant paperwork is completed in full.

It is vital that we maximise income for our service users, so a knowledge of welfare benefits would be desirable. As would an awareness and understanding of Disabilities and Mental Health and the impact of these on service user’s daily lives.

• Complete financial assessments in a timely way whilst maintaining accuracy.
• Ensure that charges are applied fairly and in line with national legislation and local policies.
• Help service users or their representatives understand their financial responsibilities.
• Signpost to additional benefits or support they may need/be entitled to.
• Manage the Deferred Payment Scheme.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work style.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office.
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting service users and the Local Authority to maximise income. and who possesses the following skills and experience:

• NVQ level 2 literacy & numeracy or equivalent.
• Be a good communicator.
• Possess good numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Be able to work as part of a busy team but also independently.
• It is important that you can manage your own caseload of work and be able to work to targets and deadlines.

• NVQ level 3 or 4 qualifications or equivalent to demonstrate technically specific skills relating to the appropriate area of work.
• Knowledge of Benefits, Pensions, and financial products.
• Awareness and understanding of Disabilities and Mental Health and the impact of these on service user’s daily lives.
• The ability to present evidence and information clearly and confidently in a variety of formats.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact information.

For further information about the role, please contact Jan Hinks, Financial Assessments & Benefits Team Manager on 01275 888 340 or at jan.hinks@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important information.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Wednesday 02 December 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.