Independent Advocates Jobs

The Walcot Foundation is an independent grant-making charity located in Lambeth, South London, providing a range of economic and social support directly to young people, schools and community groups in order to transform their prospects in the borough. To strengthen this mission the Foundation set up the BounceBack programme, now in its third year, working with a consortium of 10 place-based charities and community interest companies in South London to help young people find paid work. 

As part of a joint project, the BounceBack partner organisations are looking for an experienced employer engagement professional to help them develop, manage and build stronger relationships with employers and broker work experience and employment opportunities for the Lambeth young people they support.

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 

1. Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
2. Adhere to standards set out by OISC/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
3. Provide representation and advice up to OISC level 2/3.
4. 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
5. Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies
6. Complete forms, letters and immigration applications
7. Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
8. Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing 
9. Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required 
10. Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
11. 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

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns. 

The role will assist in providing a quality service to clients through face to face, telephone and digital gateway assessment by supplying accurate, personalised, relevant information and guidance. You must have:

• Recent experience of undertaking the role of Gateway Assessor or of providing information, advice and guidance to the public either through face to face, telephone and emails including experience of exploring clients’ problems and identifying appropriate next steps.
• An understanding of the main enquiry issues involved in assessing clients' problems
• Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening and questioning skills to understand the needs of others, especially in the context of telephony
• To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

In return, we can offer you a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% of gross salary, an Employee Assistance Programme and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Closing date: 9.00 am Tuesday 7th May 2024 

Interviews will take place on: Thursday 9th May 2024

For further information and an application pack please click on the Apply button.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Registered charity no: 1070263

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Using a gender and trauma-informed approach, the Outreach & Engagement Worker will deliver 2-4 daytime outreach sessions per week in Manchester alongside partners, colleagues and volunteers. They will also attend the Street Engagement Hub weekly to provide specialist support to women attending this multi-agency hub. They will provide brief interventions and casework support to women supporting their needs holistically.

You will work with other members of the MASH team to achieve the following outcomes:

• To improve women’s health
• To improve women’s wellbeing
• To increase women’s safety
• To enable women to identify and achieve their goals
• Women who sex work are heard, understood and experience less stigma
• Other agencies and policymakers understand the needs of women who sex work and are more effective at supporting them

Since 1991, MASH has been at the forefront of supporting women in and around Greater Manchester who are, have been or may start sex working and who are facing multiple disadvantage. We were founded as a social justice organisation, starting out as a grassroots, community led response to the HIV/AIDS crisis and we have continued to support women at the sharpest end of inequalities ever since.

Whilst the nature of sex work, the context in which we operate and the support we provide has changed dramatically over the last thirty years, one thing has remained constant: MASH continues to be a haven for some of the most marginalised women in Greater Manchester –  women who fall through the gaps, are under served by mainstream services and face stigma, discrimination and multiple barriers to accessing the support they need. At MASH, we meet each woman where they are at and stay with them for as long as it takes for them to get to where they want to be. Crucially, our support is gender and trauma informed and responsive and we bring decades of experience of appropriately supporting women in ways which work for them.

About the role
This is a new role for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity as we look to expand our successful Individual Giving & Lottery programmes.

The post holder will deliver quality fundraising campaigns, including Cash Appeals, Regular Giving and Lottery that will grow income, supporter base and lifetime value. Putting supporters at the heart of the Charity’s work, the role includes acquisition, retention and stewardship of individual donors and lottery players to achieve a sustainable increase in income for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

You’ll have strong commercial knowledge, with the ability to apply this to the Charity sector; adding value to our existing fundraising activities and impact reporting. 

As part of a busy and ambitious team, this role would suit a proactive and enthusiastic individual with a talent for storytelling and a knowledge of data-driven marketing. Working with the Digital Fundraising Manager and Marketing & PR Manager, they will be instrumental to the success of Individual Giving during an exciting period of growth for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

About the Charity

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is an independent Charity, dedicated to supporting patients and research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - one of the UK’s leading cancer hospitals.

It’s thanks to our supporters that we can achieve so much for people with cancer across Merseyside and Cheshire, which may not be possible through NHS funding alone.

This includes fund life-saving research to shape cancer care for generations to come, investing in leading technology that drive better outcomes for people with cancer, enhancing the patient environment to support health & wellbeing and enabling innovations in care for every patient, every day.

About the Role

This role is central to connecting supporters of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity with the challenge of their lifetime. The Challenge Events Fundraiser will promote events such as runs, marathons, abseils, bike rides and skydives. It is key to inspiring, motivating and supporting people who are raising money for the Charity by taking part in these types of events.

Can you inspire others to take on incredible challenges and raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity? Do you enjoy a challenge and love to help others fulfil their dreams? As Challenge Events Fundraiser you will get to do exactly that while working within a busy events team.

This role is available for a fixed 12 month term to cover maternity leave and will require weekend work on occasion throughout the year (typically 5-10 times per year).

About the Charity

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is an independent Charity, dedicated to supporting patients and research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - one of the UK’s leading cancer hospitals.

It’s thanks to our supporters that we can achieve so much for people with cancer across Merseyside and Cheshire, which may not be possible through NHS funding alone.

This includes fund life-saving research to shape cancer care for generations to come, investing in leading technology that drive better outcomes for people with cancer, enhancing the patient environment to support health & wellbeing and enabling innovations in care for every patient, every day.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

12 month fixed term contract – maternity cover

Location: Based at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral, CH63 4JY with opportunities to work from Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, L7 8YA. 

Flexible Working: Available where appropriate

Interview Date: Tuesday 14th May 2024 (subject to confirmation)

Please be aware that Clatterbridge Cancer Charity reserve the right to close this advert at any point.

Please include a cover letter with a supporting statement with your application. Your Supporting Statement should give examples of how you meet the criteria of the Person Specification (available when you select Quick Apply), and what you feel you would bring to this role.

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.

Our values

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.
• Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
• Empower: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.

Role overview: as the Director of RAK, you'll lead our organisation in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in South West London to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Proposals for hybrid working will be considered. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Developing and implementing annual plans aligned with our strategy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, to achieve desired outcomes.
• Maintaining efficient systems for the charity's operations, ensuring good governance and financial sustainability.
• Overseeing all aspects of organisational management including finances, resources, services, and communications, in cooperation with trustees.

Governance and Organisational Management

• Working closely with trustees to direct and deliver RAK's objectives according to the charity's strategy.
• Leading and supporting the RAK team to fulfil objectives, emphasising client needs, monitoring outcomes, and integrating learning into operations.
• Ensuring compliance with governance requirements, supporting board responsibilities, and contributing to trustee meetings and reporting.

Financial Management and Human Resources

• Ensuring effective financial management, leading finance and project management teams to maintain controls, preparing reports, and managing spending within budget.
• Developing organisational structure and processes for positive people and service management, adhering to legislation and quality standards.
• Fostering a healthy working culture that encourages staff and volunteers to excel, contribute ideas, and embrace diversity.

Fundraising

• Developing and executing RAK's fundraising strategy, exploring new avenues to diversify funding sources.
• Collaborating with the fundraising manager to cultivate relationships with funders, submitting funding bids, and providing reporting.
• Focus on growing unrestricted funds to reduce reliance on grants.

Advocacy and Influencing

• Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders to amplify the impact of RAK's work.
• Advocating for the needs of our clients to local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant agencies.
• Maintaining an effective advice and advocacy service, meeting quality standards (AQS & OISC) and regulatory requirements.

General Duties

• Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria

1. Leadership and Change Management: proven track record of leading client-focused services, driving strategic development, and managing change effectively.
2. Project and Programme Management: experience in creating and delivering complex projects aligned with strategic objectives.
3. Fundraising Expertise: understanding of fundraising importance in the charitable sector, with a history of successful and innovative fundraising initiatives.
4. Digital Proficiency: ability to harness digital tools so that roles are carried out efficiently and competently.
5. Financial Management: track record of managing budgets and contracts effectively.
6. Analytical Skills: experience in complex report writing and data analysis.
7. Empathy and Inclusivity: ability to empathise with clients from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
8. Team Leadership: excellent people skills, with the ability to empower and motivate staff and volunteers to operate effectively.
9. Partnership Building: strong ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.
10. Communication Skills: excellent communication and persuasion skills, including experience in public speaking.
11. Governance Knowledge: understanding of governance principles in the voluntary or public sector.
12. Safeguarding: experience in leading on safeguarding and health and safety.

Desirable Criteria

1. Asylum System Knowledge: understanding or lived experience of the asylum system.
2. Policy and Advocacy: experience in asylum-related policy or advocacy work.
3. Commercial Awareness: experience in negotiating with statutory, local, or voluntary organisations/authorities.

We are recruiting into our FAST team. In this role, you'll be instrumental in maintaining and advancing our technology infrastructure. Working closely with colleagues across seven sites, you'll be at the forefront, ensuring smooth operations and facilitating the delivery of essential services.

Please find full details of how to apply via our website in the advert below. The deadline for application submissions is 23:59, Wednesday 08 May 2024.

We are striving to better represent the young people we support and therefore are particularly keen to increase applications from Black/Black British, Muslim, and male candidates as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We also encourage applications from people with relevant lived experience.

If you need an adjustment to be made to any part of the recruitment process, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Who are we?

We are a leading youth homelessness charity based in the Southwest, working with over 1,500 young people. At 1625ip we are driven by Social Justice and Passion: we strive to do something that matters and take pride in seeing the results of our work in social outcomes and improving young people’s lives.

What you will be doing:

• Tapping into your previous experience in help desk support, multitasking to troubleshoot and repair issues, you will be providing technical support via our helpdesk to colleagues, resolving issues promptly and efficiently.
• Using your previous experience in IT, you will be managing and overseeing the day-to-day operation of our IT systems, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure, using your problem-solving skills to ensure smooth running of the network and systems.
• With your solid knowledge of IT systems and applications and strong communication and interpersonal skills, you will collaborate with teams and colleagues to assess their IT needs, identify areas for improvement, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Assisting and contributing to IT policy, planning, development. 

You will be in the FAST (Facilities and systems team) and your line manager will be our Central Services Manager.

At 1625ip we are led by our Competency Development Framework. This connects our values to our behaviours in everything we do and gives us the tools to develop. The framework ensures our recruitment is better informed, applications and interviews are behaviourally based, and job profiles are developed on the ‘how’ of a job. 

The role requires previous experience and knowledge of IT infrastructure. If you have transferrable skills and you are interested in this role, but you are worried about the application process, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager to discuss how your personal or professional experience and skills could be transferred to this role. Details of how you can do that are further down in this advert.

Contract details 

• Hours per week: 37.5 (this represents full time hours)
• Contract type: Permanent 
• Pay: £28,282 - £29,777 per annum
• The location: You will be based in Kingsley Hall, close to Bristol’s main train and bus stations as well as the vibrant city centre. There is also flexibility to work from home to be agreed upon. 

A few benefits at 1625ip

In return for your dedication, we offer:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum plus all Bank Holidays
• A supportive and approachable team with an emphasis on colleague wellbeing 
• Flexible working
• A friendly and welcoming team 

Important dates

• Application deadline closes: 23:59, Wednesday 08 May 2024.
• If you have not heard from us by the end of the day on Thursday 09 May 2024, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 
• Interviews are on Thursday 16 May 2024. 

We’re Causeway, the UK-wide charity who believes in the power of lasting change. We take people from existing to living, and empower our service users, including survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, to find their voice and place in society. Since 2005, we have expanded across multiple regions and now provide accommodation and outreach support to hundreds of survivors of modern slavery every year. In 2018, we collaborated with South Yorkshire Police in an initiative called Plan B. This helped to launch the LifeNavigate department. Using, a trauma-informed approach, we are fully committed to breaking the cycle of crime, alongside other organisations such as South Yorkshire Police and Merseyside Police. Our vision is to ensure a thriving future for marginalised and vulnerable people, and it would not be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Male ReFocus Advocate within our LifeNavigate Team based in Merseyside. The aim of this project is to support and signpost individuals who meet relevant criteria and show a motivation to change after being identified as being at potential risk of committing low level Domestic Abuse. A key element of this project is that it is survivor focused and looks to address abusive behaviours at their source, at an early intervention phase, via support and education. This means working with both those who have carried out such acts and those who have been made subject to them. The successful candidate is expected to support a caseload of individuals in order to jointly assess and manage any initial risk and to ensure all safeguarding protocols have been followed. The role is not that of and IDSVA, although some of the skills will overlap, the is to provide on-going support to individuals in areas
of need in which they feel disempowered and hence build confidence and skills. This process will happen in partnership with the organisation DMAT who will run ‘See the signs’ course which will look to educate and equip individuals to feel safe and empowered in this area. You will be working in an agile and responsive team environment and be part of the team providing support and pathways to those who have experienced domestic abuse. When capacity dictates, there will also be a requirement to work with people displaying potentially abusive or coercive behaviours (perpetrators), offering education and support to promote long term change. Due to the nature of working with victims of gender based abuse it’s important we have the flexibility to offer victims the opportunity to be supported by someone of the same gender, because of this we are currently recruiting for a male applicant.

Responsibilities:
• Providing support for individuals who are subject to low level Domestic Abuse (primarily male victims).
• The full time Advocate will oversee up to 16-20 clients of varying levels of support need at any one time.
• To work effectively as a team, including giving responsive feedback and handover information to Line Manager, and colleagues where there is a shared caseload, especially in regard to partnership with DMAT.
• To independently meet deadlines, including accurately recording and logging details of support, documenting relevant service user information and completing other administrative paperwork in adherence to the terms of the contract.
• To risk assess using the DASH model and take appropriate steps to safeguard service users.
• To create and follow individual support plans and ensuring all service users safety and well-being is paramount at all times.
• To arrange appointments for individual service users, and liaise with organisations and individuals regarding service users in a professional manner.
• Signpost service users to appropriate support.
• Supporting service users face to face (where suitable) in an appropriate environment, including using remote sessions where needed.
• To facilitate engagement of service users on the ‘See the Signs’ course, including journey planning and move on strategies, within the required time frame.
• To regularly attend supervision meetings with Line Manager. Adhering to all internal procedures regarding Causeway and any relevant legislation especially with regard to the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).
• When required, to work with perpetrators of low level domestic abuse, facilitating their engagement with the ‘See the Signs’ course, ongoing risk assessment, and provision of holistic support to promote lasting change.
• Promoting Causeway in adherence to the terms of the contract – this may include attending events on behalf of Causeway as a whole.

Any other duties that are commensurate with the role

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location: Rutland House, 44 Masons Hill, Bromley, BR2 9RG, and you will also need to work at locations around the borough

The Service:

The service facilitates peer support and delivery of monthly workshops and drop- ins. The service will provide first-class, person-centred information, advice and guidance to people with learning disabilities through both one-to-one and group support.

The Role:

You will provide relevant and accurate information, support, guidance and signposting including both one-to-one and group support for people with complex issues. Support will be flexibly based operating out of a central Bromley office but delivered at various venues across the borough. You will act in a key working capacity where necessary, ensuring services are joined up and holistic, provide advocacy and attend case management meetings as required.

Requirements:

Reporting to the Adult Support Services Manager, here are some of the skills that will make you stand out:

• Able to research and provide information about community services
• Excellent communication skills with all groups, particularly with people with a learning disability
• A good understanding of the social care and health system
• Able to travel around the borough independently, preferably by car

Further details about the role can be found in the Information Pack.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date for applications: 12:00 noon on Friday 10th May 2024.

Interview date: Wednesday 15th May 2024

Citizens Advice Hertsmere is a great place to work, with a friendly and supportive team. We are looking to take on a Debt Caseworker to join our small debt advice team. You will be providing advice to clients supporting them through the debt advice process, including dealing with emergencies, income maximisation, budgeting advice and ultimately helping with a debt strategy. 

You will need to:

1. Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies
2. Negotiate with third parties in writing and on the telephone
3. Act for clients where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning
4. Be numerate and able to analyse data and draw conclusions
5. Have good communication and IT skills

Role purpose

To deliver an excellent quality debt advice service to clients, with due regard to the aims, policies and procedures of the organisation and service, working within a client focussed and responsive team.

About Us

Citizens Advice Hertsmere (CAH) is an independent local charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network. We deliver high-quality advice across Hertsmere and campaign on issues that matter to residents. Our primary office is in Elstree with outreach locations in Bushey and Potters Bar.

Our staff and volunteers supported clients with a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing, relationship, and consumer issues. We provide our advice face to face, telephone, and email.

We are a forward-thinking organisation, committed to continually improving, expanding, and developing our services to better serve our local community.

We are a friendly, supportive team, and we are looking for another person to strengthen our debt team. There are opportunities for progression within our service and we encourage and support our staff to achieve their potential. We believe that what we do matters.

Our work reaches into the heart of the communities of Oxfordshire, and we’re pleased to be expanding our Community Engagement work into the areas of Cherwell and West Oxfordshire. The key towns in these areas are Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton, including surrounding villages. Your role will be to set up peer-to-peer support groups, information days, befriending partnerships, and to be a point of contact for our work in the north and west of the county. Our mission is to support visually impaired people to live independent and active lives and you’ll be playing a key part in this.

Job Title: Community Engagement Worker (North and West)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £23,000 – £28,000 per year dependent on experience

Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus bank holidays (to increase after 3-years)

Contract Type: Permanent (6-month probationary period)

Reporting to: Community Engagement Lead

Start date: Summer 2024

Base: Office/home-based with frequent travel across Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

Closing Date:  Midday 29th April 2024

Interview Date:  Wednesday 8th May 2024 (in person at Bradbury Lodge, Oxford)

Job Purpose:

To support visually impaired people to live independent and active lives by providing a range of activities and groups across the north and west of Oxfordshire.

Duties: 

• Setting up and supporting peer-to-peer support groups
• Holding information days within local libraries, community centres and other key locations
• Setting up walking groups as part of our Green Walks Project
• Demonstrating and setting up daily living equipment and assistive technology with support from the tech team
• Assisting in the setup of befriending partnerships alongside the Volunteer Coordinator
• Connect, share, and learn with partners and other organisations
• Being a point of contact for MyVision within the North and West of Oxfordshire

Other duties:

• Provide talks and training as needed
• Support the Fundraising team with local events and initiatives
• Keep accurate records of interactions and activites
• Attend relevant meetings, training, workshops, and webinars
• Support the team with furthering the objectives and goals of the organisation
• Other reasonable duties set out by your line manager and Chief Executive
• There may, on occasion, be a need to work outside normal hours e.g., weekends and evenings

Breakdown of duties

This is a rough guide to your duties; flexibility will be required.

Tasks% of your timePeer Support Groups and Activities40%Info Days and Equipment Demos20%Befriending Support25%Other duties15%

Person Specification

NOTE: We expect candidates to evidence how they meet the criteria in their covering letter. This can be through work, volunteering, and your personal life.

Essential skills, experience, and knowledge:

1. Experience of setting up community-based initiatives (for example: groups, clubs, activities etc)
2. The ability to research, create and manage working relationships with local groups/organisations across Oxfordshire.
3. Good IT skills
4. Good communication skills in person, over the telephone and online
5. The ability to travel around the county, whether with your own car, public transport or Access to Work support, please see below regarding Access to Work.
6. Ideally located within or nearby Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, or Oxford city.

Desirable:

1. Lived or learned experience of visual impairment
2. Experience of working with visually impaired people
3. Experience of providing community-based services for a disability charity

Personal Qualities

1. The ability to work under own initiative
2. Good communicator
3. Creative thinker and problem solving
4. A supportive team player

This role may suit someone with lived experience of sight loss, MyVision is a strong advocate of Lived Experience with over half of our employees having a visual impairment. The role would also suit someone who has strong communication skills and the ability to support, encourage and engage people. We also recognise many skills are transferrable and welcome applications from people with varying experiences and backgrounds.

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Caseworker (known internally as an Independent Victim Advocate) to join the team in Gloucestershire, working 22.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your Birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based at our Gloucester office and will require regular travel within the Gloucestershire area. Hence, holding a driving licence is essential.

As a caseworker, you will:

• Effectively manage a caseload of self-referrals or referred service users, delivering excellent services which support the commissioners and their service goals to victims.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the client in line with VS operating procedures. To follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice this could include criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to service users.

You will need:

• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or families
• Understanding and knowledge of an active commitment to promoting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity
• Ability to work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner
• Understanding of confidentiality and safe working practices, in accordance with safeguarding and data protection legislation
• Ability to needs assess, risk assess and empathise with the victim
• Excellent IT and administrative skills including the use of Microsoft Office packages
• High resilience and the ability to work under pressure

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

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.