Salary: £34,434 - £35,412 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Carlisle        

Contract: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Community Finance Team for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join us as a Community Finance Officer.

In this role, you will be responsible for assessing the financial circumstances of clients eligible for both residential and non-residential care services. You will determine their ability to contribute towards the cost of their care in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and Council policy.

Working collaboratively with partner services including Client Affairs, Brokerage, and Social Work teams, you will play a key role in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service. You will undertake financial assessments and provide clear, accurate advice and support to vulnerable adults and their carers, ensuring a professional and empathetic approach at all times.

This is a fast-paced and varied role where no two days are the same. We are looking for individuals who are proactive, resilient, and passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives. Strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service are essential.

In return, you will join a dynamic and supportive Community Finance Team that works closely with the wider council. We offer flexible working arrangements, along with a range of training and development opportunities to support your ongoing professional growth

Key responsibilities:

1. Collect, analyse, and maintain accurate and up-to-date financial information to ensure informed decision-making and the best possible outcomes for clients.
2. Undertake comprehensive financial assessments and reassessments in line with relevant legislation, policy, and best practice, using appropriate methods (face-to-face, written, or digital).
3. Interpret complex financial information provided by clients, identify discrepancies or missing details, and carry out further investigation where necessary.
4. Deliver sensitive, person-centred financial support, ensuring clients fully understand their financial position, options, and responsibilities.
5. Conduct benefits checks and verify financial evidence to ensure clients are receiving correct entitlements and support.
6. Manage client accounts, including monitoring balances, addressing arrears, supporting income recovery, and processing refunds where appropriate.
7. Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, families, carers, and partner organisations, always acting in the client’s best interests.
8. Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support financial wellbeing and deliver coordinated, holistic outcomes.
9. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.
10. Contribute to continuous service improvement by identifying efficiencies, sharing best practice, and supporting process development.

Who we’re looking for:

1. Strong ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights to support informed decision-making.
2. High level of accuracy and attention to detail in maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance and reliable reporting.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
4. Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify financial issues and develop practical, client-focused solutions.
5. Committed to maintaining transparency, integrity, and ethical standards in all financial practices and decision-making.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!

We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our vision and values, we encourage you to apply or contact Mohan Injeti on mohan.injeti@cumberland.gov.uk or 07825340228 for an informal chat prior to your application.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Basic DBS check

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions

• Closing date: 7th June 2026
• Interview date: TBC

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council