Deputyship Caseworker
Permanent, Full Time
£25,959 to £28,621 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Deputyship forms a vital part of protecting and supporting vulnerable adults. The Deputyship team manages the financial affairs of people who lack the mental capacity to do so on their own, protecting them from financial abuse and supporting independent living.
This position is an anywhere worker role with an expectation of attending the Chelmsford office 1–2 days per week. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Responsibilities
* Reconcile and investigate client account queries to ensure safeguarding.
* Scrutinise and pay client bills promptly to deliver excellent customer service.
* Manage client affairs in line with the standards expected of a public authority deputy.
* Make, monitor and maintain state benefit claims for adults living in care homes.
* Report changes in circumstances related to Universal Credit claims and complete financial assessments for adults in care homes.
* Gain insight into clients to support best‑interest decisions.
* Perform deputy visits in care homes.
* Prepare annual deputy reports for adults in care homes.
* Ensure clients in care homes receive their personal expense allowance.
Experience You Will Bring
Essential
* Good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice, including application of the five statutory principles.
* Working knowledge of Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
* Strong time‑management and organisational skills to manage a high‑volume workload of emails, post and tasks.
* Excellent written communication skills, including clear letters, emails, reports and objective notes.
Desirable
* Good knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and public‑authority funding and charging for care.
* Knowledge of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment claims for care‑home residents.
* Working knowledge of charging for care.
* Experience of visiting vulnerable clients and their carers.
You will develop skills and knowledge within the role. We welcome applications from workers in the care and social care industry, the DWP and other local authorities.
Benefits
* Support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.
* Various employee benefits as outlined by Essex County Council.
Equal Opportunities
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and we commit to interview all disabled applicants who satisfy the minimum requirements. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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