Jobs - Citizens Advice Bureau Bristol

Lead Immigration Specialist

Immigration Specialist Adviser

The post holder will provide specialist immigration advice and supervision, leading and supporting a team of volunteer advisers focusing on immigration issues.

You will be the first point of contact for queries within the team. This will include allocating cases according to advisers’ experience, supporting advisers with cases, checking case notes, ensuring accurate advice is provided and confirming that appropriate actions have been taken.

As immigration advice is a regulated area, you will ensure that Citizens Advice Bristol follows the required procedures and standards and maintains its accreditation.

Key Responsibilities

Immigration Law Advice, Research and Campaigns

Proactively manage a caseload of clients, ensuring advice is delivered in line with quality expectations and regulatory requirements.
Provide accurate and timely data through databases and case management systems.
Deliver second-tier support to paid staff and volunteers on appropriate immigration issues.
Support research and campaigns through case studies, data collection and obtaining client consent.
Maintain the processes and records required by the regulator.

Team Support and Supervision

Provide pastoral care to the volunteer team, including one-to-one meetings, informal supervision and support.
Conduct case checking based on advisers’ level and ability, providing timely feedback to ensure advice is accurate, appropriate and understood.
Support the volunteer immigration team in responding to feedback from Bristol Quality Assessors.
Provide technical immigration support and supervision to members of the volunteer team as required.
Provide feedback to the Advice Services Manager on performance, quality issues and training needs.
Lead the team in providing a specialist immigration law resource to advisers across Citizens Advice Bristol.
Support and monitor delegated responsibilities within the team.
Develop the immigration team to meet the changing needs of the service, clients and Citizens Advice Bristol.
Assist with training the immigration team alongside the Advice Services Manager.

Performance and Administration

Take ownership of your workload, proactively reviewing new and existing cases, outcomes and quality control with minimal supervision.
Work flexibly across the service, providing administrative support and cover where required.
Comply with operational management systems, including supervision, objectives, appraisal and induction.
Follow data collection and reporting procedures to ensure effective recording of performance, outcomes and client information.

Service Development

Assist with the development of the service locally, regionally and nationally.
Work with colleagues to maintain a positive and inclusive working and learning environment.
Support equality and diversity, dignity at work and the development of volunteers.
Develop links with relevant local community groups and partner organisations to improve services for disadvantaged groups and support the sustainability of the service.
Carry out other reasonable duties within the scope of the role to support effective service delivery and development.

Training and Professional Development

Ensure your own accreditation and training requirements are reviewed and met, including maintaining CPD.
Keep your immigration law knowledge up to date through reading, training and consultancy and share relevant knowledge with colleagues.
Identify your own training needs with your designated lead or supervisor.
Ensure accreditation and training requirements for team members are identified and met.
Deliver internal and external training through formal sessions and on-the-job coaching.

Other Responsibilities

Liaise with relevant external agencies, voluntary and statutory organisations, other Citizens Advice offices and stakeholders.
Be an active member of the wider team and work collaboratively with colleagues.
Maintain a professional appearance and an orderly working environment while upholding the good reputation of Citizens Advice.
Comply with all organisational and regulatory policies and procedures.
Work flexibly and undertake other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the scope of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Accredited to at least IAA Level 2 or equivalent at the time of application or previously, with evidence required.
At least five years’ experience of delivering immigration law advice in a social welfare context, or longer where working part-time on a pro-rata basis.
Experience of delivering supervision and 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, explain them clearly to colleagues and clients, and provide clear advice and empowerment.
Ability to use cloud-based systems and IT packages, including word processing, spreadsheets and email, and to learn and use other packages as required.
Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
Ability to work independently, proactively manage a varied workload and ensure deadlines are met.
Commitment to continuous professional development, including willingness to develop knowledge and skills in required areas.

Desirable Criteria

IAA Level 3 or equivalent accreditation, either currently or previously.
At least ten years’ experience of delivering immigration law advice in a social welfare context, or longer where working part-time on a pro-rata basis.
Experience of working within the remit of a Legal Aid Agency contract.
Experience of working within an advice and information organisation in the third or charity sector.
Understanding of, and commitment to, the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service, including equality and diversity.