Demanding access to justice for all.
Supporting the creation of a new generation of fully funded social welfare lawyers.
And fighting together for free access to independent, high quality face-to-face legal advice and representation, for everyone in need across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
People are facing greater and greater hardship as a result of cuts in benefits, homelessness, uncertainty at work, and escalating racism. Legal aid – which is an essential part of the welfare state – has been cut again and again.The people most in need across the ten districts of Greater Manchester are being deprived of access to justice. Greater Manchester Law Centre was set up as a clear challenge to this. Since we opened our doors in August 2016 we have grown considerably. At the last count we had a team of 4FTE paid staff and 49 volunteers. We currently provide legal advice and representation in Welfare Benefits, and Housing with addition areas of law covered by sessional workers. We are looking to recruit someone to head our team of volunteer benefit caseworkers and support our student casework Legal Advocacy Support Project.
Welfare Benefits Casework Supervisor / Solicitor (full time or part time)
Salary: £26,317 to £28,789 (full time or pro rata part time – with an enhanced rate and responsibilities for a qualified solicitor)
Role Purpose:
- To provide a high-quality welfare benefits advice and specialist casework service to clients in Greater Manchester.
- To provide supervision, mentoring and support to volunteer workers to help develop their skills and expertise in welfare benefits.
Details of the post:
- To manage and maintain an active caseload; providing advice, advocacy and formal representation in matters of welfare benefits.
- Ensure the continuous delivery of a high quality advice service, which complies with the requirements of the Lexcel quality standard, and any other relevant body.
- Ensure regular case file reviews are undertaken in accordance with the GMLCs office manual.
- Offer case strategy advice and support to staff, alongside other senior or specialist advice staff.
- Keep up to date with relevant welfare benefits policy, legislation and case law.
- To look for opportunities to challenge the law through strategic litigation.
- To provide benefits training.
- To share with other GMLC personnel the responsibility for opening and locking up the building.
Reporting to: A GMLC Trustee (in the first instance)
Hours: 35 per week (full time or pro rata part time)
Pension: Auto-enrolment
Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays
Anyone who is interested is invited to contact johnnicholson@gmlaw.org.uk or denise@gmiau.org for informal inquiries and information.
For the full application pack please go to our vacancies web page: https://www.gmlaw.org.uk/vacancies/
Formal applications will need to be made by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 5th June 2019 and we are hoping that interviews will be held the following week.
For the full application pack please go to our vacancies web page: https://www.gmlaw.org.uk/vacancies/
