Developing Health and Independence
JOB DESCRIPTION
Brokerage (Support Planning) and Direct Payment Service –
Job Title:
Advisor
NJC
Scale
Pt 18-22 (£17,333 - £19,817)
Point:
Hours:
Annual Leave:
Location:
Pension:
Accountable to:
Responsible
for:
37.5 hours per week (job share available)
26 days (pro rata) plus statutory and bank holidays (1
Additional day after each year of service, up to a maximum of
31days).
Swindon (or other location your employer may reasonably
specify)
Contributory pension scheme (employer’s contribution 7% to a
minimum 3% contribution from employee).
Personal Brokerage (Support Planning) and Direct Payment
Team Leader
None
Principal Purpose of the Job
The Personal Support Planning and Direct Payment (PSP+DP) Service works
directly with clients to facilitate choice, independence and improved wellbeing in
planning accessible and individual care through support planning and Direct
Payments. The Advisor will be involved in developing, implementing and
reviewing, with the client, mutually agreed support plans designed to meet
assessed objectives, whilst planning for risk, within budget. The Advisor will also
provide information, advice and guidance to help existing and new clients choose
whether, and if so how, to take up and manage a Direct Payment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Duties

To manage an allocated workload providing self directed support with the
provision of a Support Planning and Direct Payment Service to new and
existing clients.

To create and review support plans and agree and implement any changes as
directed by the client.
Job Description & Person Spec
October 2013, April 2014

The Advisor will work collaboratively with client to develop person centred
support plans which are sensitive and responsive to lifestyle, culture,
aspiration, skills and need, and are creative in their identification and use of
community resources.

To provide information, advice, guidance and support to a caseload of clients
on Direct Payments (existing and new clients). Advising on and facilitating
flexible approaches to promote independence, choice and control.

To provide facilitation to support the client to encourage and develop new and
existing skills and personal support networks.

To provide support to the client in implementing a package of care designed to
meet outcomes within an agreed budget. This could include guidance on
managing budgets and employment of care providers.

To provide clients with information, advice and guidance regarding Direct
Payments and (for clients who elect to take a Direct Payment) support them to
set up relevant services/activities as identified in the personal support plan,
including where appropriate –
-
Support to recruit a Personal Assistant
Support to understand and fulfil their responsibilities as an employer
Support to access payroll and managed account services, including DHI’s
own.

To work with care managers, other professionals and partners to complete
need and negotiate an agreed written support and budget that clearly meets
assessed needs.

To ensure that information, advice and support is offered in an accessible
communication method preferred by the client.

To be able to identify any possible risk factors and contingency in relation to
the self directed support with the client.

To build comprehensive knowledge and understanding of available community
resources; to assist with identifying and accessing the most appropriate
service(s) for the client.

To mediate and work to resolve any problems or issues that arise from the
implementation of the support plan or Direct Payment.

To build effective working relationships with the client ensuring that
consultation is sensitive and appropriate.

To promote the service and build effective working relationships with partner
and referring agencies, community resources and services.

To carry out any other duties relevant to the role.
Job Description & Person Spec
October 2013, April 2014
Organisational Responsibilities
At all times adhere to DHI policies and procedures, with specific reference to:
o Confidentiality
Ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information
obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official
capacity.
o Data Protection Act
To comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
o Equal Opportunities and Diversity
To ensure that all service users, their partners, colleagues both within DHI
and other partner organisations are treated as individuals by following
DHIS’s Equality and Diversity Policy
o Health and Safety
To ensure you comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and
Safety regulations and DHI’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
You are responsible for taking reasonable care with regard to yourself as
well as any colleague, client or visitor who might be affected by an act or
failure to act by yourself.
o Quality Assurance
To ensure all activities are managed in a way that supports DHI’s Quality
Assurance systems.
o Safeguarding
To adhere to the implementation of risk management procedures
(including child and adult safeguarding protocols) taking personal
responsibility for keeping up to date on the requirements of these
procedures. DHI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and
volunteers to share this commitment.
o Lone Working
To work in accordance with the DHI Lone Working policy and procedures.
1. To perform as part of the DHI team, attending and participating in regular
team meetings and to attend appropriate training courses.
2. To participate in regular support and supervision with PSP+DP Team Leader
3. Participate in the planning processes and contribute to the establishment of
DHI’s business plan.
4. To work with the PSP + DP Team Leader in the periodic reviews of service
policies and procedures.
Job Description & Person Spec
October 2013, April 2014
5. At all times adhere to relevant legislation, good practice and policies and
procedures, including Child Protection, Safeguarding Adults, Health and
Safety, Confidentiality and Equality and Diversity.
Monitoring and Administration
1. Maintain accurate records and produce written reports of work as required.
2. To carry out all necessary administration in relation to casework task including
monitoring.
NB. This job description contains only the main accountabilities relating to the
post and does not describe in detail all the duties required to carry them out. As
duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and
amended in consultation with the post holder.
Job Description & Person Spec
October 2013, April 2014
Personal Support Planning and Direct Payment Advisor
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
Experience of working with clients who have specific individual needs e.g. visual,
hearing, physical impairments, learning difficulties or mental health issues
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to be responsive and sensitive to a
wide range of communication needs by utilising personal skills, available aids and
support
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to person centred support planning and
skills to empower service users to make choices which encourage improved
wellbeing, independence and dignity
Ability to demonstrate up to date and pragmatic knowledge of welfare, benefits
and disability issues, rights and legislation and/or the skills to access such
knowledge as required
Demonstrable ability to identify and liaise with statutory, voluntary and community
services relevant to this client group
Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders to meet the needs of
service users
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, antidiscriminatory policy and practice and the Social Model of Disability
Knowledge and commitment to Adult and Child Safeguarding principles and
procedures
Ability to maintain information systems and keep accurate records using effective
IT skills (including MS Word and Excel)
Self-direction, ability to exercise own judgement, and versatility in managing a
caseload and prioritising work tasks
An understanding of national targets and the ability to work within a target driven
environment
Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team
A current UK driving licence and ability to travel throughout Swindon
Job Description & Person Spec
October 2013, April 2014