Lead Immigration Specialist

Citizens Advice Bristol are looking for a Lead Immigration Specialist to join their team.

The post holder will need to provide immigration specialist advice and supervision. You will supervise a team of volunteer advisers focusing on Immigration issues. You will be the first port of call for queries within the team. This will include allocation of cases in line with advisers’ experience, support with cases, checking advisers case notes, ensuring that the correct advice has been given and appropriate actions taken.

As Immigration advice is a regulated area, you will need to ensure that Citizens Advice Bristol works to the expected procedures and standards and maintains its accreditation.

Essential Criteria:

• Accredited to at least IAA Level 2 or equivalent at time of application or previously (evidence required)

• At least five years experience of delivering immigration law advice in a social welfare context (or for longer if part-time work (pro rata))

• Experience of delivering supervision/mentoring and supporting colleagues to improve

• Understanding and awareness of the relationship between immigration and other areas of Social Welfare Law

• Ability to interpret regulations and explain them to colleagues and clients and to produce clear advice and empowerment

• Ability to use cloud based systems and IT packages, including, word processing, spreadsheets and email (maintain one or more electronic diary/diaries), and the ability to use or learn to use other packages as necessary

• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy

• Ability to work on own initiative, without close supervision and proactively manage a varied workload, ensuring deadlines are met

• A commitment to continuous professional development (CPD), including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in required areas

Desirable Criteria:

• Accredited to IAA Level 3 or equivalent, either currently or in the past

• At least ten years experience of delivering immigration law advice in a social welfare context (or for longer if part-time work (pro rata))

• Experience of working within the remit of a Legal Aid Agency contract

• Experience of working within an advice and information organisation within the third/charity sector

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the aims and principles of the Citizens Service in which equality and diversity is embedded throughout.

If you need more details about the role do not hesitate to send us an email at vacancies@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk