Business Operations Officer

4 - 5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide specialist business and financial administration support to Children's Social Care services, ensuring the accurate administration of Special Guardianship, Fostering and Adoption allowance payments.

The postholder will undertake means-tested financial assessments, maintain financial records and systems, provide advice and guidance to carers and operational staff, and ensure payments are administered accurately and efficiently. The role requires strong financial administration skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive information in line with GDPR requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete means-tested financial assessments for prospective and existing carers.
  
• Review and update financial assessments at required review points.
  
• Provide advice and guidance to Children's Social Care staff regarding:
  
  • Special Guardianship Allowances
    
  • Fostering Allowances
    
  • Adoption Allowances
    
• Respond to payment and financial assessment queries from carers and staff.
  
• Maintain and update financial records, spreadsheets and databases.
  
• Manage information within LCS and LIFT systems.
  
• Set up, amend and monitor carer payments accurately.
  
• Contact carers to request supporting financial information and evidence.
  
• Issue updated allowance notifications and payment information to carers.
  
• Ensure all financial data is accurate and up to date.
  
• Liaise with operational staff regarding changes to payments and financial assessments.
  
• Produce and maintain reports and financial information where required.
  
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, confidentiality requirements and Council policies.
  
• Support the effective delivery of Children's Social Care financial processes.
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement of administrative and financial procedures.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience within a financial administration role.
  
• Strong experience processing financial information accurately.
  
• Advanced Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 skills.
  
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
  
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
  
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
  
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines.
  
• Experience maintaining financial records and databases.
  

Desirable

• Experience completing means-tested financial assessments.
  
• Experience within Children's Social Care.
  
• Experience working within public sector or local government administration.
  
• Knowledge of fostering, adoption or special guardianship processes.
  
• Experience using LCS and LIFT systems.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet or Yeovil (Hybrid Working)
  
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments