Advocacy & Appeals Worker

...

The Resource Centre Derry

Employer Location:
Phone Number: 02871352832
Email: laura.mcnulty@resourcecentrederry.com

Job description

The Advocacy and Appeals worker will work as part of a small team providing Advocacy and representation to clients living in the greater Shantallow and Outer North area. .

Responsibilities

  • To provide advice and when necessary representation to appeal stage.
  • To evaluate the cases of clients referred for representation, and to identify the appropriate course of action based on the available information.
  • To prepare clients for appeals hearings, ensuring they are aware of the independence of the Appeal Service and the procedures adhered to at appeal hearings.
  • To manage an on-going caseload delivering effective advocacy and representation on behalf of clients, within any relevant timescales.
  • To liaise with clients, generalist advice services, medical practitioners and others to ensure that individual cases are progressed appropriately.
  • To maintain accurate records of work undertaken on behalf of clients, including outcomes and awards secured at hearings.
  • To engage with SSA departments on behalf of clients to ensure all avenues are exhausted prior to appeal hearing stage.
  • Where appropriate request statement of reasons and/or set asides on behalf of clients.
  • To refer specialist cases onto appropriate agency i.e. Law Centre for advice and guidance.
  • To contribute to the effective management and development of the advocacy and Tribunal Representation Service through the provision of monthly reports, case studies and other documentation on a timely basis.
  • To actively contribute to the on-going development of the advocacy and Tribunal Representation Service through the improvement of processes and the sharing of information within the staff team.
  • Any other duties consistent with the purpose of the post.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • A recognised qualification in advice provision either Citizens Advice or Law Centre.
  • Successful completion of Tribunal/Advocacy training either Citizens Advice or Law Centre.
  • A minimum of 2 years experience providing representation to clients at hearings within the past 5 years.
  • A minimum of 2 years experience in providing generalist advice.
  • Evidence of managing an on-going complex caseload on behalf of clients.
  • An understanding of the appeals process and errors in law, set asides and commissioners decisions relating to the appeals process.
  • Knowledge of Welfare Reform and impact on benefits and appeals.
  • Case recording system.
  • IT systems.
  • Ability to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
  • Ability to negotiate and provide effective representation on behalf of clients.
  • Good standard of written and spoken English.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Able to use initiative.

Desirable Skills

  • Law Degree.
  • Medical Training.
  • Relevant SSA legislation.
  • Medical conditions.

Further Information

Worktime: Monday to Friday. Fixed term contract, funding for this post has been secured for a period of 14 months from date of commencement and continued employment beyond that date will be subject to further funding being secured. This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Vacancy ID
1587259
Job ref.
AAW 01/23
Job Sector
Legal
Area
Derry or Londonderry
Location
Derry/Londonderry
Salary
£20,436 per annum.
No. vacancies
1
Contract Type
Permanent
Weekly hours
30
Published date
30/01/2023
Closing date
10/02/2023
Worktime
Monday to Friday.

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