Caseworker – Liverpool – Legal Aid Agency

Job title:

Caseworker – Liverpool – Legal Aid Agency

Company

Ministry of Justice

Job description

Job descriptionCase ManagementThe 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 SummaryOur 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 SpecificationNo 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 approachApplication ProcessTo 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, pleaseInterview / assessment ProcessIf 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 2025Interviews are planned for week commencing 5th May 2025If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Jewitt, Lisa (LAA)Additional InformationWebinar – 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, pleaseWorking Arrangements & Further InformationThe MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See . All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on ‘modernised’ terms in their current post or onto ‘unmodernised’ MoJ terms if they are on ‘unmodernised’ terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.Flexible working hoursThe Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.BenefitsThe MoJ offers a range of benefits:Annual LeaveAnnual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.PensionThe Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.TrainingThe Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.NetworksThe opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on

or . You can determine your eligibility at . * Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.

• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil ServiceThe sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s . Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or e mail

); * To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (
); * To the Civil Service Commission (details available
)As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our .You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.Diversity & InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the and the .A Great Place to Work for VeteransThe “Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans” initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit:Redeployment Interview SchemeCivil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are ‘at risk of redundancy’.MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.Civil Service Nationality RulesThis 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) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Reserve listA reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Expected salary

£24202 per year

Location

Liverpool

Job date

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:32:16 GMT

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