Immigration Advisor – Rough Sleeping Team IAA Level 1 to 3

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An IAA level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping. This includes individuals with direct experience or experience gained through supporting family members with the challenges posed by immigration and asylum practices- those who have been or could have been clients of RAMFEL.

Purpose of the role: 

The purpose of the role is to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the legal work is on non-legal aid funded matters, supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. There will be particular focus on working with people who are facing a crisis, providing legal representation and support that will take them out of destitution.

The role gives an opportunity to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the role is on supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. 

We will primarily consider applications with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are IAA level 2/3 or Solicitor with IAAS accreditation.

Relationships: This post will report to the Rough Sleeping Casework Manager

Salary and Benefits:

£34,321 for IAA level 3 and Solicitors

£32,070 for IAA level 2 and 

£28,695 for IAA level 1 qualified candidate

Solicitors with less than 1-year immigration experience will be paid at IAA level 1. IAAS level 2 qualified advisors (non-solicitors) may be considered for the role and would be at the IAA level 1 pay. 28 days annual leave plus statutory holidays and 6% pension contribution.

Other benefits:

We encourage our staff to obtain higher levels of accreditation, offering comprehensive training and support to enable them to empower their professional growth and career development.

Cycle to work scheme, tech scheme, and employee assistance program.

Specific Responsibilities

Case management 

• Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
• Adhere to standards set out by IAA/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
• Provide representation and advice up to IAA level 2/3.
• Engage with the Line Manager to create and follow a training plan to ensure compliance with IAA CPD, keeping up to date with changes in law, policy and guidance to ensure clients receive accurate and high-quality advice
• Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies  
• Complete forms, letters and immigration applications 
• Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
• Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing 
• Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required 
• Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
• Implement organisational priorities into day-to-day casework.

Please refer to the job description for more details and application instructions.