We’re looking for an Assessment Officer, Interested?
Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for!
The team…
Gateshead is a great place to live, work and visit and Gateshead Council has a clear focus on helping communities to thrive. Customer Experience and Digital operates at the very core of the Council’s operations, working with services to support delivery of the Council priorities.
Customer Experience and Digital includes the Council’s Benefits and Financial Assessments service and an opportunity is now available to join this dynamic team. This is a key role in the service in terms of both maximising revenue to the council to support our services and spending plans as well as the delivery of excellent customer service.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Council’s Customer Experience and Digital Service within Corporate Resources.
We are seeking to appoint a permanent, full‑time Assessment Officer to lead a financial administration team within the Council’s Direct Payment Team.
The position is essential in supporting adults, children, young people, and their families through the administration of Direct Payments.
About the role
As an Assessment Officer, you’ll lead a high‑performing team in delivering accurate, compliant and customer‑focused Direct Payments administration. The postholder will:
* Implement and maintain Direct Payments.
* Assist in the administering, control and processing of salaries, wages, pensions, contract production, recruitment, DBS checks and supervising the monthly Payroll cycle and HR related matters.
* Oversee, monitor and audit ongoing payments, ensuring timely setup and smooth operation through internal systems.
* Audit Direct Payment accounts during regular reviews to ensure compliance and appropriate use of funds.
* Complete financial assessments to determine contributions to the cost of care, and maximising benefits.
* Assist with the development of appropriate systems and procedures.
* Provide advice and support to other Council officers and service users.
A bit about Gateshead Council
Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like‑minded people who can help us deliver a sector‑leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.
People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.
What’s in it for you?
* You’ll be paid a competitive salary £32,061 to £34,434 pa
* We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
* You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro‑rata for part‑time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
* You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
* We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
* A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
* You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better.
* You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.
It’s time to apply!
We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link Profile. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.
Apply online and complete our online application form by midnight on 30 November 2025.
For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Judith Coleman by email on JudithColeman@Gateshead.Gov.UK.
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