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.

DBS Check

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from taking up the role.

Hours Available

This is a part time role (14 hours per week)

Salary

FTE £31,998 (pro rata)

Want to Find Out More?

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Sarah Telford
[email protected]

Closing Date

5.00pm, 17th November 2026

How to Apply

Please read our Guidance Notes for Applicants before completing your application.

When you are ready to apply, please complete the application form using the button below.

Job Pack

Application Form

EDI Survey

Money Advice Caseworker

Money Advice Caseworker (Trainee or Qualified)

Location: 48 Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BL, with travel to outreach locations
Hours: Part-time – 28 hours per week, Monday to Thursday
Salary: £27,000 per annum FTE (pro rata), rising to £30,755.52 FTE (pro rata) upon qualification

About the role

Citizens Advice Bristol is looking for a motivated and compassionate Money Advice Caseworker to join our team and provide specialist debt advice and support to people experiencing financial difficulties.

This is an opportunity for either a trainee or an already qualified caseworker who is passionate about helping people overcome financial challenges and improve their circumstances.

Working as part of our Money Advice team, you will provide a comprehensive debt advice service, helping clients understand their options and find the best possible outcomes for their individual situations. This will include carrying out debt assessments, maximising income, preparing budgets, exploring debt solutions and providing advice, advocacy and referrals where appropriate.

For the trainee position, you will receive training and support through the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) accredited debt learning pathway, with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a qualified debt adviser.

For qualified applicants, you will bring your existing debt advice experience and knowledge to support clients with a range of complex financial issues.

About you

We are looking for someone who is empathetic, organised and committed to delivering high-quality advice. You will have excellent communication and listening skills, be confident managing challenging situations sensitively and be able to build positive relationships with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

You will also be able to manage your workload effectively, work towards targets and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.

For the qualified position, you will need recent experience of providing debt advice in line with Advice Quality Standards and completion of the MaPS accredited debt pathway to Advice and Casework level.

For the trainee position, you will need a willingness to learn, develop your knowledge and successfully complete the required training and assessments.

Experience of working within an advice organisation or the charity sector would be an advantage.

What we offer

At Citizens Advice Bristol, we value our people and recognise the important contribution they make to our work. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for learning and development, flexible working and a range of colleague wellbeing benefits.

About Citizens Advice Bristol

We are an independent local charity providing free, confidential and impartial advice to people across Bristol. We help thousands of people every year with issues including debt, benefits, housing and employment.

Our aim is to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward, whoever they are and whatever their problem.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from people whose experiences and perspectives reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Important – Previous applicants: This role was advertised recently. If you have already applied for this position during the previous recruitment round, please do not submit another application. Unfortunately, repeat applications from the previous recruitment round will not be considered.

Closing date: 12pm, Tuesday 1 December 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!