Charity registered in Scotland SC012238
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated person to join our team. The Session Supervisor has day to day operational responsibility for the delivery of a high-quality generalist advice service within Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau. The Session Supervisor is responsible that the quality of advice delivered is in line with the Scottish National Standards and Citizens Advice Scotland’s Membership standards.
This post also supports the learning and development of a high-quality service by providing formal training to volunteers and staff as and when required.
The successful applicant will be encouraged and supported in their personal development by the Bureau Manager.
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
Core Duties
- Provide supervision and support for advice workers, particularly in relation to advice enquiries, CASTLE data entry and enquiry entry.
- Support advisers to produce accurate, legible and complete client records.
- Contribute to building and supervising an effective team, understanding the importance of continual improvement of the service.
- Undertake advice work as and when required.
- Implement effective Triage Service
- Support and maintain uniform advice standards and contribute to their development. Ensure that advice work undertaken complies with CAS Quality Audit standards, Scottish National Standards.
- Actively implement the Aims and Principles of the CAB service, together with its other policies.
Essential Criteria
- Delivery of advice and information services to clients.
- Ability to work without supervision
- Basic training skills
- Ability to deal with staff, volunteers and the public in a calm, caring and competent manner
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex information
- Ability to prioritise own work and that of others, meet deadlines and manage workload in a pressured environment
- Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively
Desirable Criteria
- At least 2 years’ experience of supporting others in advice provision
- A working knowledge of CASTLE for the purpose of recording client cases
- Commitment to ongoing training
- Working within the voluntary sector
- Experience of supporting vulnerable clients
Top job! Principal Solicitor
- Full time
- £39,000 – £42,000
- Stirling Street, Airdrie
- Closing 28th October 2022
Airdrie CAB is looking for a highly motivated solicitor with the vision and enthusiasm to lead the legal arm of Airdrie Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and to develop and expand the organisation for the greater good of residents throughout North Lanarkshire.
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau created the legal practice unit in September 2015 to provide qualified legal representation across North Lanarkshire for those who are vulnerable, suffering hardship, and need access to professional legal services.
The Principal Solicitor is responsible for management of the legal practice ensuring compliance with the Law Society of Scotland’s regulations, and will seek to expand and develop the legal practice unit. The Principal Solicitor will manage a team including qualified legal member of staff, specialist lay advisers, and administrative support staff. The Principal solicitor will also develop and provide second tier support and training to CAB and partner agencies across North Lanarkshire.
The Principal Solicitor will report to Airdrie CAB Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, and should be willing to partake in CAB’s training program.
Skills Required:
The successful candidate should have experience in civil litigation, with experience of housing law (repossession, homelessness, eviction, disrepair, domestic abuse in housing – nor criminal), social welfare law, and judicial review being desirable; having court experience is essential. An understanding of wider social issues such as debt, benefits, and fuel poverty would be desirable in this post. Knowledge of the voluntary sector and successful delivery of projects will be advantageous.
The successful candidate will hold an unrestricted practicing certificate from the Law Society of Scotland and be at least 3 years PQE. Being able to drive would be of benefit, but not essential.
Experience of Scottish Legal Aid and its quality assurance framework is desirable.
They will have excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide accurate legal advice and legal concepts plainly and in a way that is easy for clients to understand.
The successful candidate will have excellent planning skills and business development skills, or a willingness to learn and develop such skills.
A social conscience, with a desire to help those most vulnerable in society is essential.
Senior Welfare Rights Officer (Job share considered)
- Full time
- £28,500 – £30,000
- North Lanarkshire
- Closing 4th April 2022
To provide an independent Welfare Rights and Tribunal Service across North Lanarkshire. This will include ongoing casework, up to and including representation at the 1st Tier/Upper tribunal. Overseeing this service delivery and working closely with other WRO’s based within CABx across North Lanarkshire.
Key Responsibilities
- Improving access to benefit entitlements, maximising income and accessing services promoting social inclusion
- Carry ongoing casework associated with this post at review and appeal level. Assisting clients prepare for benefit appeals, research and draft written and legal submissions
- Work with and on behalf of clients to process conclusion
- Maintain accurate case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation
- Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies and/or 1st tier/upper tribunal
- Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's systems, procedures, Citizens Advice Quality standard and National Standards Level II/III
- Ensure that all duties are carried out within the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Bureau service.
- Maintain a library of reference material and case law.
- Make appropriate referrals to ensure clients receive the best service
- Produce a detailed work plan which fits in with the key objectives of the service
- Liaise and assist with the training of staff and volunteer advisers in relation to welfare benefits
- Build on existing relationships with external agencies/other bureaux and form new working relationships
- Adopt a holistic approach, identifying other related problems
- Develop a robust referral system both internally and externally
- Assist in developing and gathering evaluation feedback from service users and partners
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service and the organisation
- At all times, demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues
Social Policy
- Assist with social policy work by providing information to drive change and highlight inequalities
- Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group
- Alert other staff to local and national issues
Professional Development
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare law and undertake appropriate training internally and externally
- Advocate the Citizens Advice Bureau at all times
- Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/staff meetings/working group meetings as appropriate
- Assist with project initiatives for the improvement of services
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Experience of preparing, planning and delivering briefings, reports and tribunal papers
- Experience of working with people with multiple and complex needs
- Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload
- Experience of using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office applications, online applications, internet and email etc
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
- Excellent organisational skills
- A proven ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice Bureau
- Ability to operate as a team player and communicate effectively with colleagues and managers
Desirable
- A specialist knowledge of tribunal representation
- Experience of managing a small team
- Completion of Citizens Advice Bureaux Adviser Training Programme
- Basic knowledge of multiple enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies and making referrals where appropriate
Additional requirements
- Make Home visits to clients or work from any of NL bureaux or outreach locations
- Travel to visit other organisations and venues and attend meetings
- Occasionally undertake work out of hours
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
Law Centre Administrator/Coordinator (Job share considered)
- Full time
- £20,000 – £22,000
- North Lanarkshire
- Closing 28th February 2022
To provide administrative support to NLCLS Law Centre solicitors and to co-ordinate the service ensuring the efficient operation of NLCLS Law Centre.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to the CLS Law Centre solicitors
- Provide reception service and arrange and manage appointment system
- Liaise with clients, other agencies and law firms etc. on behalf of Law Centre solicitors
- Keep all records confidential, safe and accessible for future retrieval
- Maintaining physical and electronic filing systems
- Audio-typing
- Photocopying, scanning and other administrative functions
- Liaise with Bureau and CAS IT Support regarding any technical issues
- Lodging and retrieving documents from Court
- Compiling, maintaining and creating databases and spreadsheets for both statistical and administrative purposes
- Entering data into SLAB Reporting Database or similar monitoring tools
- Maintain supplies and order stationery/equipment for Law Centre
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service and the organisation
- At all times, demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues
Social Policy
- Assist with social policy work by providing information to drive change and highlight inequalities
- Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group
- Alert other staff to local and national issues
Professional Development
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare law and undertake appropriate training internally and externally
- Advocate the Citizens Advice Bureau at all times
- Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/staff meetings/working group meetings as appropriate
- Assist with project initiatives for the improvement of services
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Minimum standard grade Maths and English
- Relevant ICT qualification
- Minimum 5 years work experience in office systems and procedures.
- Experienced in Audio Typing
- Experienced in Microsoft Office Packages including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook
- Relevant experience in IT systems development and maintenance
- Excellent communication skills - able to communicate ideas in writing and orally.
- Excellent organization skills
- Ability to produce reports
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and respond quickly to new demands
- Ability to work as part of a team, good communicator
- An innovator who likes the challenge of developing and implementing new approaches
- Commitment to quality customer care
- Willing to be flexible and adaptable in meeting the needs of the service
- Able to work on own initiative
- Ability to operate as a team player and communicate effectively with colleagues and managers
Desirable
- Evidence of vocational training/qualification
- Experience of working in the legal sector
- Experience of digital audio dictation system
- Financial skills
- Awareness of the social needs of local communities and services provided by the voluntary sector
- Experience of implementing equal opportunities policies and practices.
Additional requirements
- Occasionally undertake work out of hours
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
In-court Adviser (Job share considered)
- Full time
- £26,500 – £28,500
- North Lanarkshire
- Closing 28th February 2022
To provide quality advice and representation services to unrepresented litigants attending Airdrie Sheriff Court with mortgage repossession, rent arrears, sequestration, simplified procedure claims and where required refer clients on to appropriate agencies.
Clear commitment to access to justice, principles of CAB Service and customer care. The successful candidate will be subject to standard disclosure.
Key Responsibilities
- Offer emergency representation and diagnostic advice to unrepresented clients, in mortgage repossession, rent arrears, sequestration, simplified procedure claims and any other suitable areas as required
- Provide accurate, impartial information regarding clients’ legal position; identify and explain all options and courses of action
- To liaise with the Sheriff Clerks Department of Airdrie Sheriff Court and other agencies to maintain referral procedures and develop effective working relationships
- To liaise with other agencies such as the local authority housing departments and work with these agencies towards the development of a seamless service to the public
- To work with the aforementioned agencies in the pursuit of a preventative approach to problems that lead to legislative action
- Work with North Lanarkshire Legal Services Coordinator in order to promote the project to partner agencies linking with local CABx, statutory and voluntary agencies
- Carry ongoing casework associated with this post, research and draft written and legal submissions
- Work with and on behalf of clients to process conclusion
- Maintain accurate case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation
- Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's systems, procedures, Citizens Advice Quality standard and National Standards Level II/III
- Ensure that all duties are carried out within the Aims and Principles of the Citizens Advice Bureau Service
- Maintain a library of reference material and case law
- Produce a detailed work plan which fits in with the key objectives of the service
- Liaise and assist with the training of staff and volunteer advisers in relation to this post
- Adopt a holistic approach, identifying other related problems
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service and the organisation
- At all times demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues
Social Policy
- Assist with social policy work by providing information to drive change and highlight inequalities.
- Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group.
- Alert other staff to local and national issues.
Professional Development
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to housing and other court related legislation and undertake appropriate training internally and externally.
- Advocate the Citizens Advice Bureau at all times.
- Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/staff meetings/working group meetings as appropriate.
- Assist with project initiatives for the improvement of services.
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Educated to degree level or have equivalent relevant experience
- Extensive and recent experience of civil court procedures & representation particularly within Sheriff Court system
- Experience of working in the legal/advice sector.
- Experienced in using and constructing Spreadsheets and Databases; using word processing packages and IT systems. Experience of preparing, planning and delivering briefings and reports.
- Experience of working with people with multiple and complex needs.
- Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload.
- Experience of using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office applications, online applications, internet and email etc.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- A proven ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice Bureau
- Ability to operate as a team player and communicate effectively with colleagues and managers.
Desirable
- A qualification in Scots law to LLB level or equivalent
- Knowledge and competence to SNS Type II/III of housing, debt and diligence law
- Experience and competence in accordance with the Home Owner & Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act Guidance for Lay Representatives
- A Specialist knowledge of the court system
- Experience in using referral systems
- Experience of using CASTLE/case management systems
- Completion of Citizens Advice Bureaux Adviser Training Programme
- Basic knowledge of multiple enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies and making referrals where appropriate
Additional requirements
- Travel to visit other organisations and venues and attend meetings.
- Occasionally undertake work out of hours
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
About the job
The Lanarkshire Community Law Centre and Airdrie CAB are looking for a highly motivated solicitor with the drive and enthusiasm to join our expanding team. This role will involve undertaking a varied workload including assisting EU citizens secure their immigration rights under the EU Settlement Scheme whilst also providing legal support and level 2 advice to a variety of third sector organisations who are funded by the Scottish Government and UK Home Office to support EU Citizens with their settlement applications. The solicitor will also provide independent civil legal advice and representation to individuals facing homelessness or issues which could lead to homelessness, as well as a range of other civil legal matters. The solicitor will also provide second tier support and advise, train and assist CABx and other agency advisers across North Lanarkshire. The work will involve a mixture of direct casework, provision of support and advice to CAB and other agency advisers, delivery of training and contributing to social policy work.
The successful candidate, holding an unrestricted Scottish practicing certificate and at least 3 years PQE will be experienced in general civil legal assistance (including provision of Legal Aid) and have proven skills as a court practitioner. They will have a meticulous approach to analysing complex legal issues, as well as excellent communication and organisational skills. A passion for human rights or public law is essential. They will understand the importance of excellent client care, have good awareness of how rights and advice issues impact on local communities. They will be an excellent team player with a commitment to equality and diversity. Knowledge of the voluntary sector and successful delivery of projects will be advantageous.
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
Private Rented Sector (PRS) Housing Adviser
- Full time
- £22,000 – £24,500
- Airdrie
- Closing 26th October 2021
Main Purpose: To provide a Housing Advice Service to those involved within the Private Rented Sector (PRS)
Responsible to: Deputy CEO
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-term contract until 31 March 2023
Salary: £22,000-£24,500 FTE (experience dependant)
Post Funded by: Safe Deposit Scotland
About the job
To provide a Housing Advice Service to those involved within the Private Rented Sector (PRS). This will include ongoing casework (including knowledge of welfare and debt) negotiation, assistance and representation at the 1st Tier tribunal. Working closely with North Lanarkshire Community Legal Services (NLCLS) and North Lanarkshire Housing Advice Network based within Coatbridge CAB.
Key Responsibilities
- To provide advice, assistance, negotiation and representation.
- Advise and assist with housing issues up to and including type III of the Scottish National Standards.
- Maintain detailed case records of all advice work undertaken.
- Work with and on behalf of clients to process conclusion.
- Ensure that all duties are carried out within the Aims and Principles of the Citizens Advice Bureau Service.
- Make appropriate referrals to ensure clients receive the best service.
- Produce a detailed work plan which fits in with the key objectives of the project.
- Carry a caseload covering the full range of PRS housing advice to tenants and landlords.
- Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies and/or 1st tier tribunal.
- Liaise and assist with the training of staff and volunteer advisers in relation to PRS housing.
- Build on existing relationships with external agencies/other bureaux and form new working relationships.
- Negotiate where appropriate on behalf of a client/landlord for a positive outcome.
- Adopt a holistic approach, identifying other related problems. Develop a robust referral system both internally and externally.
- Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's systems, procedures, Citizens Advice Quality standard and National Standards Level II/III.
- Maintain accurate case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
- Maintain a library of reference material and case law.
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service and the organisation.
- At all times be a Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service.
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.
Responsible to:Principal Solicitor
Main Purpose
To provide administrative support to NLCLS Law Centre solicitors to ensure the efficient operation of NLCLS Law Centre
Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to the CLS Law Centre solicitors
- Provide reception service and arrange and manage appointment system
- Liaise with clients, other agencies and law firms etc on behalf of Law Centre solicitors
- Keep all records confidential, safe and accessible for future retrieval
- Maintaining physical and electronic filing systems
- Audio-typing
- Photocopying, scanning, faxing and other administrative functions
- Liaise with Bureau and CAS IT Support regarding any technical issues
- Lodging and retrieving documents from Court
- Dealing with the out-going mail and ensure post is taken to post office e.g. recorded deliveries
- Compiling, maintaining and creating databases and spreadsheets for both statistical and administrative purposes
- Entering data into SLAB Reporting Database or similar monitoring tools
- Maintain supplies and order stationery/equipment for Law Centre
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Managing Director or Law Centre Solicitors
- Work as a team to plan contingencies for admin when there are emergencies
- Meet with the law centre solicitor to set priorities and discuss admin support
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service and the organisation.
- At all times, demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service.
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
Employee benefits
Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions and is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate. For more details of some of the other benefits on offer to our employees, please contact us for more information.