NUCLEUS LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE
HOUSING SOLCITOR CASEWORKER JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Housing Advice Solicitor / Legal Executive
GRADE
SO1 – SO2
RESPONSIBLE TO
LSC housing supervisor
JOB PURPOSE:
The purpose of this post is to help tenants /lessors avoid homelessness
through providing advice and assistance . A key element is to help lead
Nucleus to secure a legal aid housing contract from 2012 .
To provide representation and casework on the local Court possession rota to
public, private tenants (including protected tenants) , lessors and
mortgagees.
To provide advice and assistance on the County Court Rota.
To provide follow up advice and assistance to prevent homelessness
To provide advice, assistance and representation in the above area of social welfare law: at drop
sessions, the advice line, and appointments.
To take an active part in housing team’s work. To take a lead role in an agreed area within the
housing team. To work under supervision of the housings supervisor. To take a lead role in
development of agreed subject area within housing advice
PRINCIPAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
2.
Substantive work
a.
To provide legal advice on housing on the court possession rota, drop in sessions and by
appointment by telephone and e mail
b.
To advice on housing law, homelessness and benefits issues which relate to housing rights
c.
To take on and maintain a case, in consultation with the subject supervisor, from within the
housing areas (The boundaries of each subject to be agreed with the relevant supervisor(s).
d.
undertake representation at appropriate courts and appeal tribunals as necessary
Administrative and non- legal duties
a.
Take an active role in preparing policies, procedures and capability for Nucleus to bid fo ,
secure and deliver a housing contact post 2013 legal aid reforms.
b.
Keep accurate case records.
c.
Record and collect statistics on client enquiries and case work using the Centre’s statistical
recording system.
d.
To meet agreed targets
1
3.
General
a.
To work as part of the centre team and each subject team and contribute, as appropriate, to
the effective running of the Centre.
b.
to keep upto date with practices within the field relating to provision of a quality advice
service
c.
To take part in the centre’s drop in rota (providing generalist advice and own subject work)
and the telephone advice line.
d.
To provide cover for other staff in the event of illness.
e.
To keep abreast of developments in the law and to inform and train advice workers and other
organisations according to identified need ( in agreed areas of work)
f.
To prepare information for the public on specific issues or new legislation ( in agreed areas of
work)
g.
To take a collaborative approach to possession case work to help highlight and take a
collaborative approach to social policy work sometimes in conjunction with RSL possession
teams to affect long term changes to policy
h.
To be prepared to work late evenings ( occasionally)
i.
To participate in relevant local and national campaigns.
Signed (Postholder): ____________________________Date: ______________
Signed (Line Manager): _________________________ Date: ______________
Essential
●
Knowledge of Homeless and housing law and procedures
●
1 years , post qualification, experience of providing advice and representation at court /tribunal
and undertaking casework in homeless, housing and welfare benefits
●
Ability to meet demanding targets and quality standards
●
Proven written and oral communication skills
●
Proven case management skills and experience of managing a client-based workload within
tight deadlines
●
Computer literate in MS Office and the use of databases
2
●
Commitment to equal opportunities in organisation and service offered to clients
SKILLS
Planning and Organisational
●
Organise and prioritise own workload in a busy environment
●
Ability to work well as part of a number of teams – centre team, housing team
●
Able to take a collaborative approach with third parties especially to affect social policy work to
prevent homelessness
●
Efficient in file management and document handling
●
Work effectively under pressure without loss of standards.
●
Works towards set targets
●
Adapts quickly and effectively to urgent issues
Communication
●
Communicates complex information clearly and effectively both orally and in writing within and
outside the organisation, with clients, with partner authorities, and government departments
●
Communicates sensitively and effectively with people, many of whom will be vulnerable and/or
distressed
●
Represents the organisation professionally when dealing with all parties
●
Negotiates effectively on behalf of others
●
Displays sensitivity, tact and diplomacy in all situations
●
Reacts flexibly in responding to rapidly changing circumstances
Initiative
●
Works as part of team under supervision of SQM supervisor , while being able to take on
additional responsibilities and supervise others where necessary. Be able to work confidently
when immediate support from supervisors is not available
Knowledge
3
●
Keeps up-to-date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
●
Researches and analyses information
●
Committed to ongoing personal and professional development and to attending training as and
when required
●
Proactively shares knowledge and attends seminars and professional for a to share best
practice
Procedures
●
Follows the Centre procedures as well as records and monitors outcomes
●
Commitment to equal opportunities in the organisation and in the service offered to clients of
Nucleus
Other Requirements
●
If necessary, be prepared to work outside of normal hours: time off in lieu will be given
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