Homelessness Immigration Project Immigration Caseworker

As part of our West London Homelessness Project with the London Councils, the main function of this role is to provide immigration advice and representation to non – UK people sleeping rough or destitute in the Northwest London sub – region. Ealing Law Centre – ELC, is a partner in a partnership led by North Kensington Law Centre -NKLC, who will be working with supporting organisations including local authorities and homelessness organisation within our region.

As part of the project, we are committed to supporting non – UK rough sleepers in or around Ealing. To that end, the postholder will engage effectively with referral organisations and travel to outreach locations as required.

Overall purpose of the post

· To assist in the provision of high-quality advice and casework under the Homelessness Project in all categories of immigration, asylum, nationality law

· To regularly travel to and from ELC offices to outreach posts when required.

· Work with vulnerable individuals who are destitute in a respectful and sympathetic manner

· To support the Law Centre in generating further income through our LAA contract, and other funding streams

· Work towards a weekly referral target and comply with all the requirements of the project.

Role and Responsibilities

The post holder will:

· Work with the Senior Immigration caseworker/Supervisor to manage a complex caseload and take on cases which break new ground.

· Undertake outreach work at various sites within our sub-region

· Work closely with NKLC project co-ordinator and other ELC team members

· Post holder will be familiar with sections 95 and 4 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and Schedule10, paragraph 9 Immigration Act 2016 accommodation process and facilitate casework as required

· Assist with providing high quality advice, assistance and representation at all levels and up to First Tier Tribunal

· Contribute to New Matter Start take up to meet the Law Centre\’s contract with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)

· Ensure files are LAA Specialist Quality Mark, and Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)

compliant at all times.

· In addition to the tasks and duties listed in this job description to undertake such duties as may be identified and which are generally compatible with the functions of the post other related casework.

Other responsibilities include:

· Carrying out duties to reflect and implement the equal opportunities objectives and policies of Ealing Law Centre

· Working flexibly, in a co-operative way with others and undertaking any other necessary and appropriate tasks

· To participate fully in unit and staff meetings

· Being self-servicing and able to use ICT programmes

· To observe the Law Centre\’s Confidentiality Policy at all times

· To maintain Professional Development as required by LAA and Immigration Advice Authority (IAA)

· To attend courses on new legislation, specialist skills and the use of IT

· To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant changes in law and policy

· To undertake such training as is necessary as to attain or maintain the standards required by the Law Centre

· To coordinate activities, procedures, and systems to promote common policies and practices.

Social Policy

To be alert at all times to social policy implications of issues presented by clients. To take appropriate action to influence social policy about these issues.

Accountability

Accountable to Senior Immigration Caseworker / Supervisor

Person Specification

To be considered for this role, you must have:

• Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) registration – Level 1 or above (formerly known as OISC Level 1 or above)

• At least two years experience of delivering specialist immigration casework services for vulnerable groups

• Experience of working with homeless migrants

• An Enhanced DBS certificate issued within the last 12 months or willingness to obtain one

Experience:

· Working knowledge of immigration and asylum laws in the UK including rules relating to applications for : Leave to Remain / Enter the UK for a period of 12 months or more, with permission to work in the UK , Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship.

· A commitment to delivering face-to-face advice services to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.

· Experience of providing casework services under Legal Aid

· Experience of liaising and negotiating with statutory and voluntary organisations.

· Sympathy, sensitivity, and understanding towards immediate issues facing the local community.

· Ability to explain the law clearly and simply to clients, and colleagues .

· Excellent IT skills, including experience of a legal case management system.

Skills and competencies

· Accuracy and attention to detail

· Experience of working under pressure and be capable of meeting deadlines.

· Good organisation skills

· Ability to stay calm and composed in demanding situations.

· Ability to take clear instructions and follow through.

· Good communication skills and personal presentation

Key Attributes

· Ability to manage caseload.

· Understanding of and commitment to the role of law centres within a local community

· Understanding of issues affecting minority groups in terms of immigration needs.

· Awareness of and commitment to equality and diversity policies.

· Patience and empathy when working with vulnerable clients.

· Flexible approach to carrying out duties outside of job description when required.

· A willingness to travel and work outside normal working hours as required

Desirable

· IAA Level 2

· Knowledge of community languages e.g. Gujarati, Hindi Punjabi and Urdu

· An aspiration to complete Law Society Immigration & Asylum Accreditation (IAAS)

Equal Opportunities:

The Law Centre is an equal opportunities organisation. We recognise that widespread discrimination exists in society towards individuals and groups both directly and indirectly. All employees are expected to adhere to and promote the Law Centre\’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Specific Details:

The vacancy is a full-time permanent post. Currently, the project is funded until 31st March 2026, continuation of this project will be subject to funding availability. The postholder will also be expected to provide advice and representation under the Legal Aid Scheme.

Outreach travel for this post is essential and there may be flexibility with remote working. This post is full time – 35 hours per week, primarily working from our offices in W7. The post holder will be required to work 5 days per week during the core hours of 10-5pm.

The role requires an enhanced DBS clearance within 4 weeks of commencing employment and the post will remain dependent on the outcome. Candidates are required to make a full disclosure of previous or pending civil and criminal matters against them and of any other suitability matters relating to the role. These must be highlighted at the end of their personal statement.

Vacancy Details:

To apply for the post, please complete an application form. We do not accept CVs.

We are committed to diversity and to flexible working and welcome applications from all sections of the community and from candidates who wish to job share or work flexibly.

Closing date for applications will be 27 October 2025. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates to the interview stage will be notified. If you have not been contacted within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Interviews will be conducted in-person at our office in W7. These will be held towards the Beginning of November 2025. If you have any disabilities and require special arrangements for the interview process, please highlight this in your application.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime

Application question(s):

• This role requires you to be accredited to OISC Level 2 or above. Do you have OISC Level 2 or above

Work Location: In person