Deputyship Assistant Manager

The Deputyship Team provides a service to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the County and beyond. It does this by getting appointed by The Court of Protection to manage all aspects of the property and financial affairs of un-befriended people who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs.

Committed to helping adults achieve and maintain independence, this role, acting in the role of Court Appointed Deputy, manages all aspects of the property and financial affairs of a caseload of clients including undertaking client visits. The Deputyship Team Assistant Manager has the responsibility of the day to day supervision of the Deputyship Team Caseworkers in addition to dealing with complex case work and deputising for the Deputyship Team Manager.

You will ensure the provision of high-quality advice, information, analysis and interpretation to staff and clients to underpin effective decision making, meaningful performance management and meet statutory requirements. You will achieve good client satisfaction levels and make a real and demonstrable difference to the delivery of the Deputyship Team and the business of our clients.

Accountabilities

Responsible for managing all aspects of a complex caseload of vulnerable service users residing in residential care and the community, identified by Social Workers as not having the mental capacity to manage their own property and financial affairs such that decisions are taken in their best interests and their quality of life is maximised.

Responsible for overseeing the recruitment, supervision and management of Caseworkers in the team such that they contribute effectively to the work of the team.

Deputising for the Deputyship Team Manager, including the provision of subject matter expertise on complex and new cases, such that the team and the service operate successfully and efficiently.

Delivering team training and monitoring and progressing team development so that staff are highly skilled and comply with best practice.

Preparing reports and analysis and attending meetings with senior officers and Councillors around the functionality of the various aspects of the service and how it interrelates with Adult Social Care and other stakeholders to help inform the service and promote best practice.

Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Consistently improve the service by developing and implementing procedures and new digital solutions that support effective ways of working for officers, clients and their carers.

Will contribute to monitor and report on the team financial target.

Educated to at least RQF level 3 (A-level or equivalent by experience).

Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in deputyships and appointeeships.

Good level of knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act, Welfare Benefits, paid care and support offered by local authorities and the provision of a local authority deputy and appointee service.

Experience of managing their own caseload and long-term task list, with a practical understanding of the physical, emotional, and attitudinal barriers facing disabled people.

Excellent communication skills with experience in writing clear, accurate procedures, guidance, reports, decisions, and objective notes.

Experience of lone working and visiting clients with an understanding of charging for social care.

Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of directly or indirectly managing, supervising, or mentoring colleagues with an ability to develop rapport and engage with diverse groups of individuals e.g. service users, Councillors and Directors.

Evidence of collating, analysing, interpreting together with experience of utilising data management systems and attention to detail.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Essex County Council has a vision to make the county a place which provides the very best quality of life for everyone who lives and works here, and we see the protection and care of the county's most vulnerable adults as an absolute priority. Deputyship forms a vital part of this.

We're there for when someone has nobody who's willing or able to act on their behalf to manage their financial affairs when they no longer have the mental capacity to do so on their own.

We protect them from financial abuse and support them to live a more independent, better-quality life.

It's hugely rewarding. Always interesting. And rarely are two days them same.

And what's more, you're working for an organisation that really supports its employees. Training, work-life balance, and one that fosters genuine collaboration and teamwork.