At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with housing law through casework and representation in court.
- Company: Join Central England Law Centre, a vital service provider in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advocating for social justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal aid casework and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33067 - 42962 £ per year.
Central England Law Centre (CELC) provides a vital service to clients across Coventry and Birmingham, offering support for all aspects of housing law through a team of dedicated solicitors, caseworkers, paralegals and support workers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced caseworker or solicitor to join the team, supporting our clients across Birmingham in the delivery of casework through the Law Centre’s Legal Aid contract. The successful candidate will be subject to a basic DBS check.
Responsibilities
- With responsibility for a caseload of clients across Birmingham, the successful candidate will:
- Advise clients on all aspects of housing law through face-to-face and telephone appointments
- Undertake casework and represent clients at court as appropriate
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Law Centre to provide a high quality, holistic service for clients
- Accurately and consistently record time spent on casework, maintaining records to the standards required by the Law Centre
- Conduct casework in compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements
- Liaise with the Legal Aid Agency in respect of funding applications and claims
- Complete public funding forms via CCMS and paper applications where appropriate
- Promptly cost and bill closed cases in order to meet individual and team targets
- Carry out file reviews
- Work in partnership with other organisations who are supporting our client group
- Keep up to date with current legislation, case law and policy in relation to housing
- Identify opportunities for strategic litigation work, to influence the local authority and other public bodies.
General
- The housing caseworker/solicitor will also:
- Demonstrate commitment to the vision, mission and aims of Central England Law Centre
- Abide by policies and procedures as set out in the office manual and staff handbook
- Attend team meetings, CELC away days and external events as required
- Undertake any other task reasonably required within the context of this post
Person Specification
- A solicitor or caseworker with proven experience of the delivery of casework through a legal aid contract
- A demonstrable commitment to social justice
- The ability to work sympathetically and effectively with a wide variety of clients
- Experience of advocating for clients in court and with other agencies
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of legal aid eligibility requirements and legal aid applications
- Experience of the completion of public funding forms via CCMS and in hard copy
- Proven ability to meet cost targets
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- A non-judgmental attitude
- Experience of using specialist legal case management systems, and of MS Outlook, Word and Excel
- Sound organisational skills with the ability to organise and prioritise workload, always ensuring excellent service to your clients
- The ability to get on with people and be polite under pressure and to work co-operatively as part of a team.
- Ability to work as part of a team and with partner agencies
Housing Caseworker or Solicitor employer: Central England Law Centre
Central England Law Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to social justice, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Tyseley, Birmingham, the Law Centre provides its employees with opportunities for hybrid working, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through legal aid services. Join a passionate team committed to delivering high-quality support to clients while fostering your own career development in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Central England Law Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Caseworker or Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing law field, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the job hunt. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Central England Law Centre and understanding their mission. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and the specific needs of the role. We want to see your passion for social justice!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your casework scenarios! Think about how you would handle various client situations and be ready to discuss them in interviews. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a housing caseworker or solicitor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Central England Law Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Caseworker or Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Housing Caseworker or Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience in housing law and legal aid, showing us why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Show Your Passion for Social Justice:We love candidates who are genuinely committed to social justice. In your application, share any experiences or motivations that demonstrate your dedication to helping clients navigate housing issues.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central England Law Centre
✨Know Your Housing Law
Brush up on the latest housing law and legal aid regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the clients you'll be serving.
✨Showcase Your Casework Experience
Prepare specific examples of your previous casework, especially those involving legal aid. Highlight your successes and how you navigated challenges, as this will give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of instances where you've worked effectively within a team. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a supportive environment at Central England Law Centre.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and career goals.
