Adviser & Caseworker

Adviser & Caseworker

Job Purpose:

This post contributes to the LCNI’s mission of using the law to change lives by providing high quality advice, casework and representation that achieves positive outcomes for people. This post also contributes to the wider Law Centre purpose of supporting the Community and Voluntary Sector in their role.

Location: Law Centre NI, Westgate House, 2 – 4 Queen Street, Belfast

Salary: NJC SO1 - SO2 (£30,151 - £34,723) + 5% employer pension contribution

Post: 35 hours per week

Report to: Head of Social Security

Contact with:

• Clients and the public
• Legal professionals
• Referral agencies and statutory and voluntary organisations
• Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunal Service
• Law Centre staff, volunteers, and members
• Students
• Elected representatives and policy makers
• Media

MAIN DUTIES

ADVICE & REPRESENTATION

• Give advice and prepare cases and deliver representation on behalf of LCNI clients before social security tribunals;
• Research relevant law, analyse legal and factual issues and apply sound judgment to all aspects of LCNI advice; casework and tribunal representation;
• Maintain good records and ensure all case recording adheres to Lexcel and funder requirements.

TRAINING, PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION & POLICY

• Work with colleagues; to support LCNI’s legal education output by helping identify training needs of LCNI members and others arising in day to day work and contribute to LCNI training activity;
• Working with colleagues, contribute to LCNI’s public legal information resources as required to assist build expertise and capacity within the sector;
• Working with policy colleagues, contribute to LCNI policy advocacy work including by contributing direct experience of client work into LCNI policy work and by representing LCNI at appropriate meetings or seminars as required.

MEMBERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Working with colleagues, contribute to LCNI’s Adviser Network Meetings and develop and maintain effective relationships with LCNI members and others.

PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Maintain and develop your professional expertise;
• Identify training and professional development needs, in consultation with line manager and source appropriate support;
• Act as ambassador for LCNI in all your work, role-modelling LCNI’s values in delivering its vision and mission and uphold high standards of personal and professional accountability in your work.

OTHER DUTIES

• Be available to work outside standard business hours to meet the demands of the role;
• Undertake relevant administrative duties in the performance of the above.
• Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time.

As this post may involve work with children and vulnerable adults, the Law Centre NI will offer the post subject to a satisfactory vetting report from Access NI and pre-employment check.

To download an application pack, click the 'Download' icon below.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Wednesday 8th January 2025