Solicitor/Immigration adviser

We are looking for a volunteer solicitor/immigration adviser to support RAK with its provision of immigration advice.

Refugee Action Kingston provides free and independent information and advice on a one-to-one basis to refugees and people seeking asylum on immigration (up to Level 3), welfare benefits, education, training, employment, housing, access to health and social care. Where we cannot help we refer clients to solicitors and other specialist help.

The purpose of this role is to provide face-to-face immigration advice to IAA level 2/3, within the aims, policies and principles of Refugee Action Kingston, working to the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and to the Information Advice Authority (IAA) standards. And to provide consultancy and advice to staff currently in training to become level 2 asylum and immigration advisers.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide face to face immigration and asylum advice and casework up to OISC Level 2/3

2. Act for the client where necessary by liaising with the immigration office, external agencies and other Immigration Advice providers in progression of a case

3. Negotiate and advocate on behalf of clients with third parties as appropriate, both verbally and in writing

4. Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate

5. Know and understand the limits of Level 2/ 3 IAA Advice and be prepared to refer or signpost onwards when work reaches these boundaries

6. Ensure that all casework conforms to RAK Advice Service office standards and policies, AQS and IAA requirements and standards

7. Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation

8. Prepare for and oversee supervision sessions for level 1 and level 2 qualified staff, if required

9. Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures and attend training/CPD as appropriate for your role

Why Volunteer for RAK?

• Develop your knowledge of working with refugees and offer crucial support.
• Be part of an inspiring and supportive team and deliver impact for our work
• Build confidence and gain skills that could be useful in your own personal and career development.
• Out of pocket expenses will be provided within agreed guidelines
• You will be asked complete a DBS check

Qualified as a solicitor or IAA level 2 immigration adviser

Ability to speak and write effectively in English, other languages such as Farsi, Arabic, Pashto very desirable

Excellent listening and communication skills

Resilient, creative and reliable

Awareness of the challenges facing people seeking asylum and refugee communities and a commitment to RAK's core values

Confidence in using Outlook, Microsoft word, email, and databases

Have a basic understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and information sharing legislation

As a volunteer you will be a member of a team working to improve the language, employment, and housing of refugees and people seeking asylum, factors which have a lasting impact on refugee integration.

In 2023/4 we helped over 2,000 clients and their families with:

• learning English
• providing housing advice
• providing immigration advice
• accessing welfare benefits, healthcare and education
• providing careers advice and employment support

Every one of our stats represents a person with hopes, fears and a unique story to tell.

Your particular role is fundamental to ensuring our clients can obtain refugee status and begin their journing to build new lives in the UK, safe from persecution.

You would also be enabling a team of advisers to carry out this work.

Please contact us for an application form.