Updates, commentary, training and advice on immigration and asylum law

Job Ad: Paragon Law is recruiting for an Asylum Senior Caseworker/Supervisor

THANKS FOR READING

Older content is locked

A great deal of time and effort goes into producing the information on Free Movement, become a member of Free Movement to get unlimited access to all articles, and much, much more

TAKE FREE MOVEMENT FURTHER

By becoming a member of Free Movement, you not only support the hard-work that goes into maintaining the website, but get access to premium features;

  • Single login for personal use
  • FREE downloads of Free Movement ebooks
  • Access to all Free Movement blog content
  • Access to all our online training materials
  • Access to our busy forums
  • Downloadable CPD certificates

Summary of the role

  • We are a market-leading niche immigration law firm based in Nottingham City Centre, and we are looking for a IAAS Senior Caseworker with responsibility for an active and complex asylum caseload involving all aspects of asylum work including unaccompanied minors, adult asylum claims, fresh claims, extension applications, appeals and higher court work.
  • Hybrid working to allow for remote working is available for this role.
  • We are looking for someone who can act as an ambassador of the firm with excellent interpersonal skills, as well as assist in advising and supporting the asylum team. The successful candidate will be able to understand and appreciate the needs of the team and effectively balance them with the wider business needs of the firm.
  • Reporting to Head of Asylum.
  • Salary depending on experience.

Purpose of Job

To facilitate the provision of services to clients and staff of the Firm by:

  • Carrying out client work in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Complying with the rules or codes of professional conduct as set down by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority and other Professional Bodies.

Key Tasks

  • To advise on, prepare and conduct the presentation of legal actions in courts and other tribunals on behalf of Paragon Law.
  • Take instructions and inform clients of the Firm’s terms of engagement, charges and the services that the Firm provides.
  • Identify the client’s objectives and the difficulties that may arise in achieving those objectives. Be aware of other legal advice the client may require.
  • Prepare letters and documents.
  • Maintain accurate records of all work carried out on behalf of clients and keep clients informed regularly on the progress of their matter.
  • Progress files in accordance with legal and procedural time limits and in accordance with the commitment to service given to clients by the Firm and the fee earners.
  • Be responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the clients and matters generally are dealt with promptly.
  • Commitment to assisting those deserving of protection in the UK.
  • To have a thorough appreciation of the rules, regulations and legislation relating to the work of the Asylum Team and keep informed upon new legislation.
  • Meet with clients within and outside of the Company office when necessary.
  • Deal with clients and other contacts on the telephone.
  • At the end of the matter, ensure the client receives any monies due.
  • Achieve the fee target agreed between you and your Head of Department.
  • Ensure the proper financial management of files.
  • Maintain client files properly by regular reviews. Open correctly client matter cards, record time and bill promptly.
  • Complete timesheets daily.
  • Maintain accurate personal and departmental diaries with records of dates not to be missed.
  • Prepare files for archiving, ensuring correct client matter storage/disposal details are on the documentation and instructions for deletion from Accounts computer are completed before sending the files for storage.

Occasional/Special Tasks

  • Report immediately to your Director and Practice Director any complaints of any nature received from a client.
  • Participate in and suggest ways of maintaining current and generating new business. Be aware of cross selling our services and inform clients as such during and at the end of the matter.
  • Recognise conflicts of interest and situations of money laundering and act within and to the Standards and the Rules of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
  • Any other reasonable duties notified to you from time to time.

Other Responsibilities

  • Maintain a tidy/efficient office environment.
  • Attend departmental meetings.
  • You are expected to treat your colleagues with respect.
  • You may be required from time to time to train fee-earners.
  • Take personal responsibility for self-development, by attending internal and external courses to ensure familiarity with the latest changes in the Law and comply with the Law Society Regulations on Continuing Professional Development.
  • The use of initiative is required in your role. If you are in doubt about any instructions always ask your Head of Department for advice/clarification
  • You may have to work early or late on occasions if requested.

Personal Attributes 

Attributes

Essential

Desirable

Knowledge

A detailed knowledge of relevant statutes, case law and legal procedures.

 

 

Skills

Use of computer packages, subject to adequate training.

 

Pleasant and tactful manner in dealing with clients, both in person and on the telephone.

 

Ability to deal with a large number of files efficiently and accurately.

 

Ability to process money/cheques (often in large amounts) through the appropriate office procedures.

 

Demonstrate ability to treat all information relating to client and Practice matters as confidential.

 

Ability to liaise with all levels of staff; Directors, Solicitors, Administrators etc.

 

Ability to initiate.

 

 

Experience

Experience of having sole conduct of an active asylum case load.

 

Experience of meeting both strict external deadlines and internal financial targets.

 

Experience of preparing appeals to the IAC, higher courts and resisting removals.

 

Experience of working under a Legal Aid Agency contract.

 

Experience of representing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

 

Experience of preparing appeals to the IAC, higher courts, judicial review applications and resisting removals.

 

 

Qualifications

Accredited to Senior Caseworker level of the Immigration & Asylum Accreditation scheme operated by the Law Society.

 

Those accredited to Casework Assistant level accreditation can also be considered but such candidates would need to be ready to apply for senior caseworker accreditation as a matter of priority upon taking up the position.

 

Accredited to Supervising Senior Caseworker by the Law Society.

 

Benefits

  • Hybrid working. We are operating on a hybrid working arrangement to enable our employees to have flexibility and work-life balance.
  • City centre location. Our office is in Hockley, Nottingham’s bustling creative centre. Not only is Hockley located in the heart of Nottingham, but it has great transport links with the surrounding areas.
  • Competitive annual leave allowance. We give all employees at least 25 days annual leave allowance per year, with this number increasing after each full year of service (capped at 30 days).
  • Have your birthday off. In addition to your annual leave allowance, employees get an additional day of paid leave to celebrate their birthday.
  • Regular social events. We have a social committee which works to create a diverse and inclusive range of social events for all our employees to enjoy. Previous events include a ‘sports day’, a pizza party, and bowling night.
  • Staff benefits scheme. All employees have access to Reward Hub, a benefits portal which gives employees access to a wellbeing centre, concierge service, an employee assistance programme, as well as providing discounts at a whole host of organisations across a range of sectors (travel, groceries, technology etc.).
  • Healthcare plan. All our employees get access to a UK healthcare cash plan.
  • Ongoing training and development. Employees alongside their supervisor will create a tailored training and development plan to help with their professional and personal development.

How to apply

Please send your CV and Covering Letter to hruk@paragonlaw.co.uk by 1st September 2023.

Relevant articles chosen for you
Picture of Free Movement

Free Movement

The Free Movement blog was founded in 2007 by Colin Yeo, a barrister at Garden Court Chambers specialising in immigration law. The blog provides updates and commentary on immigration and asylum law by a variety of authors.

Comments