Self-Directed Support Officer - Ref: SS01826

Overview

Walsall Council is hiring a Self-Directed Support Officer to join its Adult Social Care & Health team. This role supports the delivery of Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds, enabling residents to make more informed choices and maintain greater control over their care arrangements.

The position offers a salary at G5, ranging from £28,598 to £31,022 per annum.

You will handle virtual wallets, prepaid cards, and related payment processes, making sure money is allocated correctly and spent in line with policy. The role suits someone with strong financial capability who also enjoys working with people and contributing to community outcomes.

Key Duties

• Oversee Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds for service users.
• Administer systems linked to virtual wallets and prepaid cards.
• Create new accounts and assign funding allocations.
• Track expenditure, investigate inconsistencies, and complete audits.
• Reconcile payment runs and maintain accurate financial records.
• Liaise with service users, relatives, and providers to resolve questions and issues.
• Identify and recover unused or surplus balances in line with council policy.
• Serve as a key point of contact and specialist resource for Self-Directed Support.
• Assist colleagues and help build understanding of Direct Payments.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will bring strong financial and analytical ability, along with practical experience of handling accounts. Experience in auditing or reviewing financial transactions is important, as is the confidence to communicate clearly with a wide range of people.

You should also be well organised, capable of managing a varied workload, and familiar with Direct Payments, Self-Directed Support, or adult social care funding.

Working Arrangement

This post involves a blended working pattern across office, remote, and home-based working.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed supporting statement that explains how their skills, abilities, and experience meet the employee specification. Candidates who do not provide this statement will not be shortlisted.

Work history and qualifications sections must also be completed. CVs are not accepted. Applicants should refer to the Information for Applicants leaflet for further guidance.

Additional Information

Recruitment agencies are asked not to make contact regarding this vacancy, as agency applications and referrals are not being accepted.

The council also asks applicants to ensure their submission is written in their own voice. While AI tools may help with ideas or guidance, the application — especially the supporting information — should reflect the applicant’s personal experience and perspective.

The closing date for this vacancy is Friday 3rd July 2026.

This role falls under the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector staff. The successful candidate must be able to communicate verbally with customers and give advice or information in accurate spoken English.

Walsall Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As part of this commitment, the post requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Job description and employee specification are available for review.