Appeal Advocate - Newtownards, United Kingdom - Community Advice Ards and North Down Ltd

Description

Job Description and Personal Specification

CAAND Tribunal Advocate:

Job Title:
Tribunal Advocate


Salary:

£29, hours per week) plus 5% employer pension

contribution)


Responsible to:
CAAND Manager


Location:
Locations: Newtownards Office and attendance at any of our other offices as required.

The post holder may also be required to travel to Outreach locations from time to time to meet with clients.

Main Responsibilities.

• Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to ascertain the main points to be used in an appeal case
• Use the Advice Pro 6 Case Recording System to case record advice given
• Use information systems to research, interpret and communicate the relevant information.
• Research and peruse case law which is relevant to supporting appeal case arguments
• Requesting further evidence from various sources as dictated by each case
• Peruse all paperwork and supporting evidence, checking GDPR compliance, drafting and submitting written submissions to The Appeals Service
• Represent appellants at their appeal hearing.
• Negotiate with third parties such as statutory and nonstatutory bodies as appropriate.
• Maintain a substantial caseload. This may involve negotiating on behalf of clients with other statutory or voluntary agencies.
• Refer internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate.
• Ensure that all work conforms to CAAND's Quality of Advice Standard and the Northern Ireland's Quality of Advice Standard at the appropriate level.
• Maintain detailed case records as required for the purpose of continuity of casework information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
• Punctual time keeping ensuring attendance at listed tribunal hearings
• Work with other Appeal Tribunal Advocates and Appeals Administrator/s within CAAND to ensure that all time limits are adhered to and all clients receive representation at hearing.

Outreach (where required)

• Liaise when required with hosts in arranging appointments to meet clients.
• Network with local groups and organisations to maximise opportunities for the service and, for example, giving talks to groups of potential clients.

Social Policy

• Assist with social policy work by providing information about clients' circumstances through the appropriate channel.
• Inform clients of social policy options where appropriate.

Professional development

• Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training.
• Read relevant publications
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager
• Prepare for and attend supervision session /team meeting/staff meetings as appropriate

Administration

• Use Advice Pro for statistical recording, record keeping and document production
• Ensure that all work conforms to the office systems and procedures
• Provide statistical information on the number of clients and nature of cases.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of Community Advice Ards and North Down
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Effective oral and written skills
• Ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures.
• Understand the issues involved in interviewing and representing clients.
• Numerate to the level required for Benefit Entitlement Checks
• Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines and manage caseload.
• Proven ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
• Ability to contribute to the work of a team and use standardised systems and processes.
• Ability to monitor and maintain own standards within a quality framework.
• Ability to travel to outreach locations to meet clients when necessary.

Desirable Criteria
-
A minimum of 1 years' experience of the appeals system or experience within the legal system
:

• Hold a Qualifying Law Degree
• Experience of delivering presentations
• Demonstrate experience of carrying out research

Salary:

£29,439.00 per year


Benefits:

• Onsite parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Newtownards: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

- advice based: 1 year (preferred)


Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location:
In person

Application deadline: 31/05/2023


Reference ID:
CAAND-Tribunal Advocate/Appeals Representative