Team Leader (Lead Officer Financial Support and Inclusion)

We are inviting applications for this permanent role of Lead Officer in our Financial Support & Inclusion Team. This is an opportunity to lead a specialist team delivering high quality financial inclusion services, including Discretionary Housing Payments, Scottish Welfare Fund assessment functions, outsourced advice provision and welfare benefits support. The postholder will manage day-to-day operations, support policy and strategy development, and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for customers across the Scottish Borders. What you will be doing

• Lead and manage the Financial Inclusion Team, including Financial Support and Assessment Team Leader, Financial Inclusion Officers, Financial Inclusion Supervisors and Scottish Welfare Fund Assessors.
• Provide advice on financial inclusion, welfare benefits, Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Housing Payments and related policy areas.
• Support performance management, quality assurance, service planning and continuous improvement across the team.
• Contribute to poverty reduction, welfare reform, benefits take-up and reducing inequalities work across the Council.
• Oversee complex casework, appeals and tribunal-related activity where required.
• Work with internal colleagues, contracted providers, partner agencies and external organisations to deliver effective and customer-focused services.
• Prepare reports, management information, briefings and presentations to support service delivery and decision-making.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
  
  We're looking for someone with experience in a welfare rights or financial inclusion environment, and with knowledge of, or ability to interpret and apply, social security and related law and practice. You will have demonstrable experience of managing staff and confident setting objectives, supporting performance, improving services and working collaboratively with colleagues and partners.
You should bring strong leadership, communication, organisational and customer service skills, along with the ability to manage a varied workload, respond positively to change and contribute to strategic and corporate priorities., HND level qualification or equivalent in a relevant area, or Demonstrable relevant experience

Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.