Direct Payment Advisor
Job description
About the role:
The Direct Payment Advisor plays a key role in ensuring that individuals in
Powys are supported to make informed decisions about receiving care and support through a Direct Payment. This role involves identifying the suitability of Direct Payments at two critical stages: before an application is made to the Care Practice Forum, and again six weeks after implementation to confirm the arrangement is appropriate and sustainable.
About you:
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior managers, Council members, and members of the public, including vulnerable adults.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Above-average report writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in ICT software packages, particularly Excel, as well as web
based systems.
• Ability to adapt quickly to the use of customised software, e.g., WCCIS,
Corporate Insight Center, MapInfo, Crystal Reporting, Lime Survey, etc.
• Ability to focus for extended periods while manipulating, extrapolating,
and analysing data using spreadsheets, graphs, and multiple data sources simultaneously.
What you will do:
As a Direct Payment Advisor, you will:
• Carry out structured discussions to determine whether a Direct Payment is suitable for an individual before an application is made to Care Practice Forum.
• Evaluate the suitability of the Direct Payment six weeks after implementation, ensuring it remains appropriate, safe, and aligned with the individual’s outcomes.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to allocated workers, individuals, carers, and Suitable Persons on the responsibilities and implications of receiving a Direct Payment.
• Assist clients who lack technological capability, by assisting then in logging in to the necessary managed account portal, navigating, and authorising timesheets based on schedules.
• Record discussion outcomes and recommendations in line with Powys County Council policies and within WCCIS or other relevant systems.
• Contribute to wider service improvement by identifying common barriers, risks, or support needs and feeding these into process development or training.