Caseworker - Manchester - Legal Aid Agency (Ref: 4559 )

This position is based at LAA Store Street, Piccadilly Gate FLR 7 M1 2WD

Job Summary

Please refer to Job Description

Job Description
Case Management
The Case Management team is central to the Agency, it is responsible for handling legal aid applications, processing case payments and dealing with correspondence and enquiries received in both Civil and Criminal Legal aid matters. Our dedicated staff ensure that 600,000 new clients access justice each year, while ensuring that legal aid lawyers are paid fairly.

We listen and engage with all staff in case management, ensuring we always value the ‘caseworker voice’ and that this is represented when delivering change. We support all staff in our work, recognising success and promoting a positive and healthy work-life balance.

We have a culture where new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.

Job Summary
Our Administration Officers (AO) are responsible for processing applications for legal aid and assessing claims for payments in accordance with regulations and guidance.

Working as part of a team, you'll manage your own time while helping to achieve operational, performance and service standards within your work area.

Following training you will be required to maintain an up to date understanding of current guidance and regulations in either Criminal Court proceedings or Civil proceedings.

The Role Can Include The Following:

• making accurate decisions on applications to determine eligibility based on the merits of the case and financial eligibility of the client
• make accurate decisions on claims for payments submitted by Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the correct spending of public funds
• dealing effectively and professionally with enquiries from customers both in writing and verbally
• regular interaction with Solicitors, legal aid clients and colleagues across the LAA and MoJ.
• achieving performance and quality targets in your work
• ensuring information and data is recorded accurately on case management systems and that case records are up to date.

Being an AO caseworker within the LAA is an interesting and varied role, where you can make a real difference.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, And Skills

• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
• Experience of working in a team
• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Person Specification
No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:

• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Enjoys being part of a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Assessment approach
To apply complete the online application statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.

Webinar - A 45-minute webinar is scheduled on 14 April 2025 starting at 10am to allow applicants to discuss the role further. If you are interested in attending, please register your interest within this link.

Interview / assessment Process
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked an experience question based on the essential skills and experience required of an administration officer and 3 strength-based questions.

Shortlisting is planned for week commencing 21st April 2025

Interviews are planned for week commencing 5th May 2025

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Jewitt, Lisa (LAA) Lisa.Jewitt@justice.gov.uk

Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £24,202, Legal Aid Agency contributes £7,011 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Candidate Information Page

Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Strengths and Experience.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
• Telephone : 0345 241 5359