12381 - Caseworker - Legal Aid Agency

Ministry of Justice; Jarrow; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking Administration Officers (AO) to process applications for legal aid and assess claims for payments. In this role, you will manage your time effectively while ensuring compliance with regulations. You will interact with Solicitors and clients and achieve operational standards. Full training is provided, and no prior experience is required, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to start their career in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Structured training and development opportunities

Supportive and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to communicate using written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for legal aid and assess claims for payments.
• Make accurate decisions on applications and claims.
• Handle enquiries from customers both in writing and verbally.
• Interact with Solicitors, legal aid clients, and colleagues.
• Achieve performance and quality targets.

Skills

Decision-making using evidence

Teamwork

Deadline orientation

Computer skills

Verbal and written communication

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). At the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), we have a vital purpose. We help eligible people meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal in England and Wales.

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service and are proud of our supportive, inclusive culture.

We’ll invest in you by providing structured training and development opportunities. This is a great chance to start your career with the LAA and we offer real opportunities to progress and develop your career, either with us or the wider Civil Service if you choose.

Case Management

The Case Management team is central to the Agency, it is responsible for handling legal aid applications, processing case payments and dealing with correspondence and enquiries received in both Civil and Criminal Legal aid matters. Our dedicated staff ensure that 600,000 new clients access justice each year, while ensuring that legal aid lawyers are paid fairly.

We listen and engage with all staff in case management, ensuring we always value the ‘caseworker voice’ and that this is represented when delivering change. We support all staff in our work, recognising success and promoting a positive and healthy work-life balance.

We have a culture where new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.

Job Summary

Our Administration Officers (AO) are responsible for processing applications for legal aid and assessing claims for payments in accordance with regulations and guidance.

Working as part of a team, you'll manage your own time while helping to achieve operational, performance and service standards within your work area.

Following training you will be required to maintain an up-to-date understanding of current guidance and regulations in either Criminal Court proceedings or Civil proceedings.

The role can include the following:

• making accurate decisions on applications to determine eligibility based on the merits of the case and financial eligibility of the client
• make accurate decisions on claims for payments submitted by Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the correct spending of public funds
• dealing effectively and professionally with enquiries from customers both in writing and verbally
• regular interaction with Solicitors, legal aid clients and colleagues across the LAA and MoJ
• achieving performance and quality targets in your work
• ensuring information and data is recorded accurately on case management systems and that case records are up to date

Being an AO caseworker within the LAA is an interesting and varied role, where you can make a real difference.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
• Experience of working in a team
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
• Ability to communicate using written and verbal skills

Person Specification

No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:

• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Enjoys being part of a fast‑paced and rewarding work environment.
• Brings a positive, can‑do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.