Part time Direct Payments Officer (18.5 hours per week)

• Direct_Payments_Officer_JD_PS_Feb26
• Candidate_Pack_-_People_Directorate_-_Mar_2026

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated individual to join us as a Direct Payments Officer on a part-time, permanent basis for 18.5 hours per week. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

About you…

If you are passionate about making a real difference and enjoy working in a supportive, people‑focused environment, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone with strong administrative and IT skills, excellent attention to detail and a proactive, solution‑focused approach. Experience in care or finance, particularly where relevant to the role would be a valuable advantage.

About the team…

In this role, you will work closely with and report directly to the Direct Payments Team Leader, playing a key part in managing direct payments for children and adults and supporting both our Adults’ and Children’s Social Care teams. Your work will directly help people live more independently and confidently.

You will be joining a genuinely supportive and collaborative team, where colleagues are always willing to share knowledge, offer guidance and work together to find the best solutions for the people we support. We pride ourselves on open communication, mutual respect and a culture where everyone's ideas are valued. The role is primarily based at our Time Square offices in Bracknell, where you will be part of a supportive and collaborative team. We also offer reasonable flexibility around working hours and hybrid working, depending on the needs of the service, to help you achieve a healthy work–life balance.

Key responsibilities…

• Working with Adults and Children's Social Care teams to establish direct payments for residents of Bracknell Forest.
• Managing and administering Bracknell’s systems and databases, including the oversight of direct payment accounts and audits of these accounts.
• Supporting finance colleagues with establishing payments and reconciliation of payments received by the council.
• Management of the Instant Issue Cards, supporting various services within the council and creating financial support for residents.
• Offering information, advice and guidance to our direct payment clients, including financial management, contributions to care, employment practices and appropriate care arrangements.

Our benefits…

• 25 days* annual leave increasing to 28 days* after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days*.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Paid employee volunteering scheme.
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.

*(pro rata for part time)

Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.

Our values...

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments...

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Interview date

Interviews will be held week commencing 20th April 2026.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact: Kelly Tibbles or Jack Lewis.

Kelly Tibbles : Direct Payments Team Leader : Tel 01344 351628

Jack Lewis : Head of Client Affairs : Tel 01344 354066

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.