Immigration Caseworker Jobs in London, Greater London
-
Salary: £34,650 - £42,500 gross per annum at 1.0 FTE
-
Working pattern: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hrs per week), or 0.9 or 0.8 FTE. Flexible working requests will be considered.
-
Contract: 1 x permanent with a 6 months probationary period and 2 x fixed-term for 12 months
-
Team: UK Legal Team
-
Location: This role can be hybrid, or office based. At a minimum, candidates will be required to work from the London office at least 2 days a week, as well as be able to attend ad hoc events and away days in person.
-
Reporting to: Head of UK Legal
Safe Passage International (SPI) is recruiting three Immigration Lawyers and/or Immigration Caseworker Supervisors (one permanent, two fixed-term) to join our UK Legal Team. We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced and motivated individuals to join the UK Legal and Arrivals Team in its invaluable and ground-breaking work to ensure that safe routes to sanctuary exist and are accessible for all people seeking asylum.
As an Immigration Lawyer/ Immigration Caseworker Supervisor in the UK Legal Team, you will run a caseload of complex family reunion entry clearance applications and appeals, you will also supervise cases of colleagues and pro bono solicitors and volunteers, if appropriate. You will be supported by colleagues in the UK Legal team and work in close collaboration with colleagues in SPI France and Greece as well as with professionals in relevant external organisations.
You will be determined and committed to delivery high quality legal casework supporting asylum seeking children to reunite with family members in the UK. You will be attentive to detail, flexible, efficient and able to work independently and under supervision as part of a small and dynamic team. You will be eager to contribute to the overall missions and values of Safe Passage International and to work collaboratively with other teams in this international and multi-disciplinary organisation.
We value equity and diversity in our organisation, and are striving to build a workforce reflective of the communities we work with. We encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, faiths, disabilities, and marital or pregnancy status. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply.
We are looking for good immigration casework experience, as detailed in the Person Specification. Experience in a similar role is welcome, but this could also be your first paid position in the charity sector, or you could be returning to work after time out. This position will have a dedicated training budget and you will be supported to grow and develop within your role.
As a refugee charity, we offer a guaranteed interview for people with direct lived experience of seeking asylum who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. If you have first-hand experience of applying for asylum in any country, please let us know in your application.
We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to.
If you are excited by this role and working at Safe Passage but do not have all the experience you think is needed, please visit the job advert on our wesbite for contact details.
How do I apply?
For more information on how to apply, please visit our website to reqad the Job Description & Person Specification alongside the How to Apply Guide.
Closing date: Sunday 26th May at 11.59 pm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us:
The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.
We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping.
Purpose of the role:
The purpose of the role is to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the legal work is on non-legal aid funded matters, supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. There will be particular focus on working with people who are facing a crisis, providing legal representation and support that will take them out of destitution.
This is a vacant position being filled as a replacement. The role gives an opportunity to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the role is on supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support.
We will primarily consider applications with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are OISC level 2/3 or Solicitor with IAAS accreditation.
Relationships: This post will report to the Rough Sleeping Casework Manager
Contract duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2025
Hours of work: The role is primarily a full-time position, requiring 37.5 hours per week. However, for the right candidate, we may consider accommodating part-time working hours. Given the nature of RAMFEL’s work, there may be instances where the Supervisor will need to exceed the standard hours. In such cases, compensatory time off can be arranged with the line manager
Specific Responsibilities
Case management
- Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
- Adhere to standards set out by OISC/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
- Provide representation and advice up to OISC level 2/3.
- Engage with the Line Manager to create and follow a training plan to ensure compliance with OISC CPD, keeping up to date with changes in law, policy and guidance to ensure clients receive accurate and high-quality advice
- Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies
- Complete forms, letters and immigration applications
- Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
- Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing
- Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required
- Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
- Implement organisational priorities into day-to-day casework.
Person Specification
Education/qualifications
- Ideally candidates must be Solicitors with IAAS Level 2 with at least 1-year immigration experience or OISC level 2/3 qualified
- If OISC level 1, the candidate will be expected to initially work under supervision completing level 2 work and qualifying at level 2 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated.) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
- IAAS level 2 caseworkers (non-solicitor) will be considered but if appointed must be prepared to work under supervision and qualify at level 1 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
Experience/knowledge
- Experience in providing high-quality advice and representation to clients
- A good understanding of law and policy as it relates to immigration and asylum
- Experience in professional, independent, and impartial service delivery to the public
- Experience in maintaining a caseload of cases in line with OISC requirements in relation to the conduct of cases, file management and supervision
- Knowledge of and empathy with the backgrounds and experiences of asylum seekers, rough sleepers and vulnerable migrants
- Experience in using client databases
- Experience working with interpreters supporting clients with complex matters
Application process
We will only be shortlisting candidates who have submitted a CV and a cover letter explaining why they are applying for the role.
The interview consists of an interview, followed by a written exercise (45 min).
Interviews will take place during the week beginning 20th May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role:
The post holder will work within The Passage’s Community Services as a Complex Case Outreach Worker and will lead on case management for people experiencing homelessness who are presenting in the footprints in which the team operate and/or who are accessing the Resource Centre. The post-holder will support individuals with substance use support needs and/or mental health issues and will lead on work with clients who are experiencing alcohol and/or drug dependencies and who may also be experiencing mental health problems or other health or social care needs.
Main duties:
- To manage a caseload of clients presenting within the footprints in which the Engagement & Outreach service operate and individuals who are accessing The Passage Resource Centre. To support clients with complex needs, supporting them to identify and work towards recovery and away from homelessness.
- Carry out assessments, case management, support planning and the delivery of interventions for clients including those experiencing mental health and/or substance misuse issues who are multiply-disadvantaged in their homelessness.
- Provide assertive outreach and engagement with street-based service users presenting with complex needs and barriers to engagement. Carry out monthly street-based audits to inform reporting and analysis of service outcomes.
- Support clients who are rough sleeping or involved in day time activity in the footprints in which the team operate to end their homelessness by linking them in with appropriate internal and external support services relevant to their needs. To provide support to clients who are accommodated, but may require ongoing support in order to maintain this accommodation, linking them in to appropriate local services.
General responsibilities:
- In conjunction with your line manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
- To participate in internal/external meetings as required, attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
- To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
- To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
- To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
- To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage.
Desired experience:
- Significant experience of delivering support services to socially excluded clients in a street based/day centre or similar setting.
- Significant experience of working in a mental health and/or substance misuse setting, working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
- Experience of providing a fully sensitive and responsive service to clients in a psychologically informed manner.
- Experience of working cooperatively with external partner agencies, e.g. Police, Social Services, NHS, as well as housing providers and voluntary agencies.
- Experience of assessing client needs and supporting clients to address their needs through assertive outreach and case management.
- Experience of working in a client-centered recovery focused approach and the necessary professional social skills to initiate and maintain constructive and appropriate relations with clients and agencies.
Desired knowledge:
- Understanding the support needs of the street populations with complex health, and housing needs.
- Knowledge of services and legislative environment regarding housing, health, work and immigration as it relates to people experiencing homelessness.
- Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing and collate and evidence work and outcomes using case management databases.
- Knowledge of Psychologically Informed Frameworks.
- An understanding of the causes of homelessness and, in particular, the needs of people who are multiply-disadvantaged in their homelessness.
- Knowledge of housing pathways available to dual diagnosis clients and how to access them.
- A working knowledge of how to support people with either substance or mental health needs.
Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About RLS
RLS is a UK charity and a non-profit company in Greece (AMKE).
Refugee Legal Support works in solidarity with people who migrate. We operate in the UK, France and Greece, promoting and protecting rights through legal support, casework, litigation, engagement, training and partnerships. We advocate for safe migration and oppose discriminatory immigration systems and policies.
RLS has held a legal aid contract in the UK since 2023.
About the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI)
The Afghan Pro Bono Initiative is a specialist casework project delivered by RLS with funding and pro bono assistance from 14 leading commercial law firms. It is a project delivered in partnership with SPI.
Firm pro bono lawyers are trained and supervised by the project’s two full-time supervising lawyers so that they can then assist with legal casework.
APBI has two core components. The team delivers legal information and support to and within the Afghan community, working together with the Community Engagement and Research Lead to ensure wide access. While the project also provides high quality legal representation in a range of cases for this community. This includes family reunion, the ARAP scheme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and others.
APBI then aims to respond to the increased need for legal information, advice and representation of Afghan nationals and their family members forced to seek protection and reunion with family in the United Kingdom following the Taliban takeover. The project is now going into its 3rd year, and won the Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award at the Law Works Pro Bono Awards in 2022 as well as being nominated and commended for numerous other awards in 2022 and 2023.
The casework of this project feeds into strategic research, policy and advocacy efforts to make existing ‘safe’ routes to protection (in particular refugee family reunion and resettlement schemes) more accessible and effective, advocate for their expansion and defend the fundamental rights of people on the move by influencing policy and decision making.
Litigation arising out of the project is actively pursued (where eligible) under RLS’s legal aid contract to push for better decision-making, secure results for individuals and pursue improvements in the relevant law, policy and practices.
RLS recognise that pro bono legal work is always an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, an adequate system of publicly funded legal services.
Key responsibilities and objectives
The post holder will be a staff member of Refugee Legal Support. They will be a participant within the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative project team, which comprises two lawyers (the other being at SPI), a coordinator and a Community Engagement and Research Lead in addition to the volunteer lawyers from the individual commercial firm partners.
Key responsibilities
-
Manage a small caseload and provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients;
-
Supervise the work of volunteer pro bono commercial lawyers on cases;
-
Deliver training to pro bono commercial lawyers;
-
Ensure that all legal work is promptly and accurate recorded on RLS’s case management system and keep relevant time recording;
-
Develop and disseminate relevant information on legal developments in this area for relevant stakeholders, including both the Afghan Community and building the capacity of other practitioners;
-
Work in close collaboration with the other project Lawyer/s to develop and share experiences and best practice in relation to all aspects of casework (legal, evidential and procedural) and relevant internal processes;
-
Work in close collaboration with the Legal Director, Programmes Manager and Coordinator to ensure that appropriate steps to achieve the aims and objectives of the project are taken, including ensuring that relevant data is obtained and assisting with the timely completion of the project Operational Plan/s;
-
Work in close collaboration with the APBI Coordinator and Programmes Manager to contribute to the production of materials such as project periodic reports, information on emerging and strategic issues in relation to ‘safe’ routes for use in advocacy, content for newsletters, social media posts and articles to raise awareness of the project and its aims and outputs;
-
Participate in, and contribute to, RLS’s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework;
-
Be an active member of the RLS team participating in team meetings at both the UK and International level: engaging in a collegiate and collaborative environment that includes participating in the development of a new and exciting legal organisation;
-
Be an active and collaborative member of the APBI Project team together with the other Lawyer/s, Coordinator and Community Engagement and Research Lead;
-
Work in close collaboration with the Community Engagement and Research Lead to contribute to the production of information sheets and other materials to disseminate to the Afghan community/ies;
-
Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR;
-
Adhere to RLS safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Person Specification
Essential
-
Be either a member of the Bar, a solicitor and accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, or OISC accredited to Level 3;
-
Experience of asylum casework;
-
Experience of refugee family reunion procedures and applications, including applications outside of the Immigration Rules reliant on Article 8 ECHR and other human rights provisions;
-
Experience of online immigration applications;
-
Demonstrable knowledge of legal aid provision and ECF applications;
-
Demonstrable supervision experience;
-
Experience of and commitment to working in a collaborative way on legal cases;
-
Good verbal and written communication skills in English;
-
Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines;
-
Strong attention to detail, responsiveness, reliability and dependability;
-
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills and an ability to deal professionally and collaboratively with both legal and not-for-profit stakeholders;
-
Computer literacy;
-
Right to reside and work in the UK;
-
Enjoy working with a small team in a flexible and fast-paced environment, as well as being an independent self-starter able to work with a high degree of autonomy;
-
Have a strong commitment to upholding the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees;
-
Commitment to the aims of the project and the values of RLS.
-
The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not a barrier to the role.
Desirable
-
Those with lived experience of navigating immigration systems are strongly encouraged to apply and will be favourable considered;
-
Experience of legal aid casework;
-
Experience of conducting immigration appeals and/or public law litigation;
-
Experience of supervising commercial lawyers in a pro bono project setting;
-
Experience of preparing and delivering training;
-
Interest in collaborating with non-legal colleagues to bring about systemic change;
-
Working knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic team as a Money Advice Caseworker on our Debt Free London project. The successful applicant will be providing money advice as part of our London wide project.
You will be contributing to the health & well-being of the community and helping people from reaching crisis point. In return, as part of our team, you will benefit from learning and development opportunities.
If you are a team player, willing to learn, committed to quality and want a job which makes a difference in people’s lives then this could be the job for you.
Closing Date: 5pm on Tuesday 7th May 2024
Interview Date: Friday 10th May 2024
Citizens Advice Bromley values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Advice Session Superviser or experienced Generalist Adviser with at least 2 years’ experience looking for a development opportunity to join our dynamic team.
The successful candidate will join our team of Supervisers and contribute to the support and development of our excellent staff and volunteers.
Together with our Senior Management Team and Quality Performance Manager, you will help to ensure that we continue to provide a high quality advice service within the London Borough of Bromley.
If you are a team player, committed to supporting others, and want a job that makes a difference in people’s lives this could be the job for you.
Closing date: Monday 6th May 2024 at Midnight
Interview date: Wednesday 8 th May 2024
Citizens Advice Bromley values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.