Caseworker - Legal Aid Agency (Ref: 12130)

These positions are based at LAA 1 Unity Square, FLR 3, Nottingham, NG2 1AWJob SummaryPlease refer to Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title & Grade: Administration Officer (Caseworker) – AOContract Type: PermanentSalary range (depending on location):National - £25,582 Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.Location: NottinghamDirectorate: Case ManagementTeam: Operational DeliveryWorking Pattern:The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.If you are applying for a part time role, please note that in order to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 21 hours and to cover 3 days of the weekThere may also be a business need to cover full time working hours during initial training.To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.Reporting to: Team ManagerThe Legal Aid Agency We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). At the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), we have a vital purpose. We help eligible people meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal in England and Wales.Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service and are proud of our supportive, inclusive culture.We’ll invest in you by providing structured training and development opportunitiesThis is a great chance to start your career with the LAA and we offer real opportunities to progress and develop your career, either with us or the wider Civil Service if you choose.Case Management The Case Management team is central to the Agency, it is responsible for handling legal aid applications, processing case payments and dealing with correspondence and enquiries received in both Civil and Criminal Legal aid matters. Our dedicated staff ensure that 600,000 new clients access justice each year, while ensuring that legal aid lawyers are paid fairly.We listen and engage with all staff in case management, ensuring we always value the ‘caseworker voice’ and that this is represented when delivering change. We support all staff in our work, recognising success and promoting a positive and healthy work-life balance.We have a culture where new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.Job SummaryOur Administration Officers (AO) are responsible for processing applications for legal aid and assessing claims for payments in accordance with regulations and guidance.Working as part of a team, you'll manage your own time while helping to achieve operational, performance and service standards within your work area.Following training you will be required to maintain an up to date understanding of current guidance and regulations in either Criminal Court proceedings or Civil proceedings.The Role Can Include The Following:making accurate decisions on applications to determine eligibility based on the merits of the case and financial eligibility of the clientmake accurate decisions on claims for payments submitted by Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the correct spending of public fundsdealing effectively and professionally with enquiries from customers both in writing and verballyregular interaction with Solicitors, legal aid clients and colleagues across the LAA and MoJ.achieving performance and quality targets in your workensuring information and data is recorded accurately on case management systems and that case records are up to date.Being an AO caseworker within the LAA is an interesting and varied role, where you can make a real difference.Essential Knowledge, Experience, And SkillsAbility to work to deadlinesAbility to make decisions using evidence/informationExperience of working in a teamAbility to use computers and Microsoft 365Effective written and verbal communication skillsPerson Specification No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:Works well both independently and as part of a team.Enjoys being part of a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.Assessment approachApplication ProcessTo apply complete the online application statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.A 45 minute webinar is scheduled on 2 December starting at 10am to allow applicants to discuss the role further. If you are interested in attending, please register your interest within this link.Interview / assessment Process – Stage 1If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked to show your ability using IT and written communication skills required of an administration officer.Interview / assessment Process – Stage 2If you are successful through the ability stage, you will be asked an experience question based on the essential skills and experience required of an administration officer and 3 strength-based questions.Shortlisting is planned for week commencing 15th December 2025Interviews for Stage 1 are planned for week commencing 12th January 2026Interviews for Stage 2 are planned for week commencing 2nd February 2026If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – laura.shepherd@justice.gov.uk or michelle.jordan1@justice.gov.ukUse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) As part of our commitment to integrity and transparency, we ask all applicants to ensure that the experiences, achievements, and examples shared in your application are entirely your own.Please do not use AI tools to fabricate or simulate personal experiences. While AI can assist with formatting and grammar, it must not be used to generate stories, skills, or accomplishments that you have not personally lived or earned.Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion StrateThe LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.Complaints procedureIf you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.Job Title & Grade: Administration Officer (Caseworker) – AOContract Type: PermanentSalary range (depending on location):National - £25,582 Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.Location: NottinghamDirectorate: Case ManagementTeam: Operational DeliveryEssential Knowledge, Experience, And SkillsAbility to work to deadlinesAbility to make decisions using evidence/informationExperience of working in a teamAbility to use computers and Microsoft 365Effective written and verbal communication skillsPerson Specification No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:Works well both independently and as part of a team.Enjoys being part of a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.Assessment approachApplication ProcessTo apply complete the online application statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.A 45 minute webinar is scheduled on 2 December starting at 10am to allow applicants to discuss the role further. If you are interested in attending, please register your interest within this link.Interview / assessment Process – Stage 1If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked to show your ability using IT and written communication skills required of an administration officer.Interview / assessment Process – Stage 2If you are successful through the ability stage, you will be asked an experience question based on the essential skills and experience required of an administration officer and 3 strength-based questions.Shortlisting is planned for week commencing 15th December 2025Interviews for Stage 1 are planned for week commencing 12th January 2026Interviews for Stage 2 are planned for week commencing 2nd February 2026If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – laura.shepherd@justice.gov.uk or michelle.jordan1@justice.gov.ukUse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) As part of our commitment to integrity and transparency, we ask all applicants to ensure that the experiences, achievements, and examples shared in your application are entirely your own.Please do not use AI tools to fabricate or simulate personal experiences. While AI can assist with formatting and grammar, it must not be used to generate stories, skills, or accomplishments that you have not personally lived or earned.Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion StrateThe LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.Complaints procedureIf you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.Person specificationPlease Refer To Job DescriptionAlongside your salary of £25,582, Legal Aid Agency contributes £7,411 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Access to learning and developmentA working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balanceA working culture which encourages inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Annual LeavePublic HolidaysSeason Ticket AdvanceFor more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJSelection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Ability and Experience.https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Ability and Experience.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob Contact :Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries TeamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukTelephone : 0345 241 5359Recruitment teamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/12130?entityId=12130