Financial Assessments and Benefits (FAB) Officer

About the job

Key information

• 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time)
• Based in Taunton or Bridgwater

It is an exciting time to join Somerset. We have changed the way we work to focus on promoting independence for everyone – so that people can do the things that matter most to them and live the life they want to live.

We are doing things differently to put the person at the centre of everything we do and to look creatively at how we can meet people’s needs in a better way.

If you work for us, we will give you the freedom to be innovative, to influence change and to really touch people’s lives.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will involve:

• As a FAB Officer assistant in Somerset you will provide really useful information and advice to people and their families on all aspects of the DWP benefits system. You will undertake financial assessments, assist people with their claim forms and promote the take up of benefits.
• You will have positive conversations with people and make sure that they understand the financial assessment process fully.
• As part of your conversations with people you will signpost them to information, advice and local services that are relevant. It is part of your role to encourage people to be independent, to help them grow their confidence and make the most of the support available in their local community.
• You will provide support to colleagues and advise them on the DWP benefits system and financial assessment process.
• You will influence the development of the adult social care service; you will bring your ideas to the table, and you will be encouraged to make improvements to ways of working.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

• Are good at problem solving
• Excellent at communicating with people
• Motivated and passionate
• Creative and innovative
• Forward thinking
• Able to make things happen
• Full of new ideas
• Able to work at pace

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Supporting documents and information

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Iain McAndie on 01278 447713 or Paula Beazley 01278 447707.

The salary for this role is £26,213 – £29,387 per annum

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button – we can’t wait to hear from you.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now