Fighting together for free access to justice

ROLE PROFILE: WELFARE BENEFITS CASEWORKERJob Title: Welfare Benefits Caseworker Reports To: Supervising Solicitor

Role Purpose:This role is to offer a specialist welfare benefits casework service at the Law Centre’s offices and any outreaches, and to ensure that services are delivered to the highest standard, are accessible and quality assured and where appropriate are delivered in accordance with funder requirements.

If you share our passion for social justice and would like to assist in delivering our aspiration to be the leading community Law Centre in Britain, please get in touch we would like to talk with you.

Hours: The role requires a minimum commitment of five hours on at least one day. Availabity to attend Tribunal hearings. Days can be flexible and to suit individual availability. Rotas can be arranged with other volunteers on occasion of unavailability.

Key Accountabilities: To provide specialist advice and casework on complex welfare benefits issues to clients at the

Greater Manchester Law Centre and at any outreach sessions or home visits as required. To provide representation to clients at Appeal Tribunals and other relevant hearings, where

appropriate. To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant changes in law and policy and undertake

training as required. To ensure casework complies with GMLC policies, quality systems, and funder requirements. If applicable, to carry out regular file reviews and provide casework supervision. To keep accurate case records and use the appropriate case management systems. Liaise with other voluntary and statutory bodies as necessary. To work as part of a team. To participate in staff and team meetings and contribute to GMLC activities as appropriate. To meet agreed targets, manage own workload and provide reports on work as required. Work within the policies of the Centre.

Person Specification:Qualifications: At least two years (full-time equivalent) experience providing specialist level

welfare benefits casework.Knowledge & Experience:

Experience of preparing submissions and representing at appeal tribunals. Thorough up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and tax credits law. Thorough up-to-date knowledge of benefits issues affecting people with a

disability and/or long-term health condition. Understanding of professional advice standards including concept of conflict

of interest and client confidentiality. Good working knowledge of office software systems such as word

processing, spreadsheets, database, email, and calendars.Skills: Ability to manage own caseload and meet agreed targets.

Good interpersonal skills, including good communication skills both verbal and written.

Good attention to detail, well organised and able to keep accurate records. An ability to prioritise your workload with the minimum of supervision.

GMLC | Services Volunteer Application: Role Case Worker| 1709-1 | Page 1 of 2

Greater Manchester Law Centre, 159 Princess Road, Moss Side, M14 4RE | Tel. 0161 769 2244 | info@gmlaw.org.ukThe Greater Manchester Law Centre is a member of the Law Centres Network | Registered Charity no. 1170317 | Registered Company 09698401

Personal Qualities:

Friendly, helpful, empathetic and cheerful disposition. Attention to detail and patience. Ability to work unsupervised and on own initiative. A team player with a ‘can do’ attitude. A commitment to deliver face-to-face advice services to vulnerable and

disadvantaged communities.

To request an application form telephone 0161 769 2244, email reception@gmlaw.org.uk or download www.gmlaw.org.uk

Greater Manchester Law Centre History & Values:

Greater Manchester Law Centre is an organisation that aims to provide free legal advice and representation to the residents of the entirety of the Greater Manchester region. Our work focuses on the needs of clients who for multiple reasons of exclusion cannot access legal help from private solicitors.

We aspire to be a leading community Law Centre in Britain, with a strong legal practice providing expert advice, casework and representation, enabling people in Greater Manchester to be active citizens, to protect and promote their interests, to understand their legal rights and, when necessary, to enforce them.

As well as offering legal advice, Greater Manchester Law Centre will campaign for the restoration of comprehensive legal aid as an essential part of the welfare state. In addition, continuing in the tradition of campaigning law centres, our longer-term goals will also be to encourage the future generations of conscientious lawyers.

GMLC | Services Volunteer Application: Role Case Worker | 1709-1 | Page 2 of 2