About Us
North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing exceptional services to our community, ensuring the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals. We are currently seeking a dedicated Court of Protection Officer to join our team and manage the financial affairs of individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.
The Role
As a Court of Protection Officer, you will follow the guidance of the Office of the Public Guardian to ensure compliance of the Court Order for Property and Financial Affairs. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding the financial interests of vulnerable individuals under the jurisdiction of the Court of Protection. This is an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most while contributing to the financial health and efficiency of our local authority.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage financial affairs, including bank accounts, bill payments, benefit collection, and property management.
Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements set by the Court of Protection.
Prepare and submit annual accounts and reports to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Liaise with care providers, social workers, and legal professionals to advocate for the best interests of the individuals.
Identify and recover debts owed to the authority by individuals under protection.
Maximise benefits and allowances for individuals, increasing funds managed by the authority.
Efficiently manage properties owned by individuals under protection, including potential leasing or selling
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
About you
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about protection of vulnerable adults, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Proven experience in financial management or a similar role.
Strong understanding of the Court of Protection and related legal requirements.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Opportunities for professional development
Staff groups
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated Wellbeing Team
Salary sacrifice cycle to work and Electric vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Emma Halford-Snook, Personalised Commissioning Team Manager, on 01934 427611.
Important Information
Interview Date: Week Commencing 30th September 2024.
We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to
Disability Confident.
