Job Description
An understanding of the issues effecting women & girls, particularly BME groupsAn understanding of the impact of discrimination on the lives of BME women and girls
Job Description:
About the Role
We are looking for a legal administrator to join our immigration service, supporting women affected by violence and abuse who are from diverse backgrounds, primarily Asian communities, with some Turkish clients also accessing our services. To provide immigration advice, casework and support to migrant and refugee women and girls who have experienced domestic violence.
We are specifically seeking someone fluent in Bengali to complement the languages spoken by the immigration team, as many of the women we support speak Bengali as their first language and may not feel confident communicating in English. Being able to communicate directly with clients in their preferred language is vital to building trust, ensuring confidentiality, and providing the right support in sensitive situations. This language skill is essential to the role and reflects the needs of our client group.
OUR SERVICES
Ashiana runs three refuges with a total of 29 bed-spaces; specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing forced marriage. This multi award winning project is the only service of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. Within these refuges we designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds. We offer an advice and support service to women and girls who are experiencing VAWG (Violence against Women & Girls), enabling them to make informed decisions and exit abusive relationships. We provide counselling for women and girls affected by domestic violence and ****** violence. We also deliver an immigration service to women who have insecure immigration status with the aim to support them with access to specialist legal advice in order to resolve their immigration status. .. We deliver harmful practices training to professionals from the statutory and voluntary sector in addition to awareness raising workshops for women and girls in the community.
PRIMARY TASK:
The post holder will be responsible alongside the Management Committee, the Senior Management Team and other team members for the effective running of the Network, in accordance with the Management Policy, ensuring that it meets the needs of South Asian, Middle Eastern and Iranian women who have been made homeless as a result of physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse. To provide immigration advice, casework and support to migrant and refugee women and girls who have experienced domestic violence.
To be responsible for advocating and advising women in Ashiana’s refuge accommodation and Advice Service who have experienced VAWG issues
Managing a complex caseload of women with insecure immigration status
Keeping up to date with relevant changes in legislation and case law
Interviewing and advising clients face to face, telephone and email
MAIN DUTIES:
To support, develop and lead on Ashiana Network’s response to women experiencing VAWG and in particular, harmful practices (Forced marriage, Honour based violence and Female genital mutilation) to women who also have insecure immigration status
To provide high quality immigration advice, support, information and applications for women and girls who have experienced VAWG and in particular, harmful practices
To advocate on behalf of clients with external agencies as appropriate
To ensure compliance with advice work external and internal quality standards including OISC
To ensure a high-quality service delivery through publicity material being effectively distributed and contribute to its development
To positively promote Ashiana services
To build effective relationships with both internal, external partners, external agencies, statutory and voluntary organisations
To carry out other tasks as are reasonably required to help the team to deliver its goals and have a flexible approach to work
Other duties-
To ensure that all Ashiana policies and procedures in your work area are adhered to
To observe Ashiana’s Equality & Diversity & Health & Safety policies and ensure awareness and integration with all communities in the Boroughs of operation
To ensure all meetings and training relevant to your role including CPD as necessary to retain status
To maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to Ashiana Network and its service users
Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as requested by your line manager.
Please note that this list is indicative of the key responsibilities of this role but is by no means exhaustive. Ashiana is an organisation responding to complex and challenging issues and a ‘Can do’ attitude and flexibility to take on other related tasks is essential. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.
Ashiana Core Values:
Collaboration
Work in partnership with colleagues, external agencies, and community groups to meet clients' needs. Ensure that knowledge and information are accessible to all.
Social Justice
Advocate on behalf of service users, amplifying their voices when faced with poor practices. Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by Black and minoritized women due to cultural backgrounds, language barriers, discrimination, cultural stigma, and immigration status.
Compassion
Provide nurturing, empathetic, and trauma-informed support to survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and respected throughout the process.
Diversity
Tailor support plans to reflect the unique cultural and lived experiences of Black and minoritized women. Be alert to intersectional risks faced by women experiencing higher levels of inequality due to their, race, gender, age, disability, and ****** orientation.
Flexibility Clause:
In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically outlined above. Such duties however will fall within the scope of job. This job description will therefore be subject to review with the post holder, to ensure it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim being, to improve the quality of its services; for women and girls and all matters relating to their well being.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
EXPERIENCE
Essential
At least 2 years recent, professional experience in a legal or advice setting
Legal and policy expertise in immigration law and advice including appeals work
Experience of managing a complex caseload
Experience of interpreting legislation and giving legal guidance and advice face-to-face, over the telephone and by email
Ability to use online and written resources to research relevant law
Understanding of the application of Judicial Review in immigration and asylum cases
Understanding of some of the key recent and upcoming changes in relevant legislation and the effects of these on our clients
Ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and to meet deadlines
Excellent communication skills
A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Ashiana Network
Ability to use IT effectively including case management systems
Willingness to familiarise yourself with legal aid requirements and procedures
Experience of providing training for front line staff
Fluency in at Bengali
Awareness
A commitment to equal opportunities in the provision of the Network’s services
Commitment and understanding of the aims and objectives of the Network
Experience in planning, developing and delivering advocacy, advice and support services
Experience of working in the voluntary or community sector
Experience of multi-disciplinary work including child protection
Experience of working with the BME women and girls
Knowledge of child protection legislation
Professional Development
To attend regular supervision and appraisal meetings
To keep up to date and to meet identified learning and development needs as appropriate, maintaining professional standards and remaining accredited at appropriate level
CIRCUMSTANCES
Essential
The post requires occasional evening and weekend work
Equality Statement
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Bengali speakers are currently underrepresented in our caseworker staff, and we welcome applications from individuals who can help us better serve our Bengali-speaking clients.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £21,866.90 per year
Expected hours: 21 per week
Benefits:
Work from home
Education:
Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Language:
Job Description:
About the Role
We are looking for a legal administrator to join our immigration service, supporting women affected by violence and abuse who are from diverse backgrounds, primarily Asian communities, with some Turkish clients also accessing our services. To provide immigration advice, casework and support to migrant and refugee women and girls who have experienced domestic violence.
We are specifically seeking someone fluent in Bengali to complement the languages spoken by the immigration team, as many of the women we support speak Bengali as their first language and may not feel confident communicating in English. Being able to communicate directly with clients in their preferred language is vital to building trust, ensuring confidentiality, and providing the right support in sensitive situations. This language skill is essential to the role and reflects the needs of our client group.
OUR SERVICES
Ashiana runs three refuges with a total of 29 bed-spaces; specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing forced marriage. This multi award winning project is the only service of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. Within these refuges we designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds. We offer an advice and support service to women and girls who are experiencing VAWG (Violence against Women & Girls), enabling them to make informed decisions and exit abusive relationships. We provide counselling for women and girls affected by domestic violence and ****** violence. We also deliver an immigration service to women who have insecure immigration status with the aim to support them with access to specialist legal advice in order to resolve their immigration status. .. We deliver harmful practices training to professionals from the statutory and voluntary sector in addition to awareness raising workshops for women and girls in the community.
PRIMARY TASK:
The post holder will be responsible alongside the Management Committee, the Senior Management Team and other team members for the effective running of the Network, in accordance with the Management Policy, ensuring that it meets the needs of South Asian, Middle Eastern and Iranian women who have been made homeless as a result of physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse. To provide immigration advice, casework and support to migrant and refugee women and girls who have experienced domestic violence.
To be responsible for advocating and advising women in Ashiana’s refuge accommodation and Advice Service who have experienced VAWG issues
Managing a complex caseload of women with insecure immigration status
Keeping up to date with relevant changes in legislation and case law
Interviewing and advising clients face to face, telephone and email
MAIN DUTIES:
To support, develop and lead on Ashiana Network’s response to women experiencing VAWG and in particular, harmful practices (Forced marriage, Honour based violence and Female genital mutilation) to women who also have insecure immigration status
To provide high quality immigration advice, support, information and applications for women and girls who have experienced VAWG and in particular, harmful practices
To advocate on behalf of clients with external agencies as appropriate
To ensure compliance with advice work external and internal quality standards including OISC
To ensure a high-quality service delivery through publicity material being effectively distributed and contribute to its development
To positively promote Ashiana services
To build effective relationships with both internal, external partners, external agencies, statutory and voluntary organisations
To carry out other tasks as are reasonably required to help the team to deliver its goals and have a flexible approach to work
Other duties-
To ensure that all Ashiana policies and procedures in your work area are adhered to
To observe Ashiana’s Equality & Diversity & Health & Safety policies and ensure awareness and integration with all communities in the Boroughs of operation
To ensure all meetings and training relevant to your role including CPD as necessary to retain status
To maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to Ashiana Network and its service users
Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as requested by your line manager.
Please note that this list is indicative of the key responsibilities of this role but is by no means exhaustive. Ashiana is an organisation responding to complex and challenging issues and a ‘Can do’ attitude and flexibility to take on other related tasks is essential. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.
Ashiana Core Values:
Collaboration
Work in partnership with colleagues, external agencies, and community groups to meet clients' needs. Ensure that knowledge and information are accessible to all.
Social Justice
Advocate on behalf of service users, amplifying their voices when faced with poor practices. Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by Black and minoritized women due to cultural backgrounds, language barriers, discrimination, cultural stigma, and immigration status.
Compassion
Provide nurturing, empathetic, and trauma-informed support to survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and respected throughout the process.
Diversity
Tailor support plans to reflect the unique cultural and lived experiences of Black and minoritized women. Be alert to intersectional risks faced by women experiencing higher levels of inequality due to their, race, gender, age, disability, and ****** orientation.
Flexibility Clause:
In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically outlined above. Such duties however will fall within the scope of job. This job description will therefore be subject to review with the post holder, to ensure it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim being, to improve the quality of its services; for women and girls and all matters relating to their well being.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
EXPERIENCE
Essential
At least 2 years recent, professional experience in a legal or advice setting
Legal and policy expertise in immigration law and advice including appeals work
Experience of managing a complex caseload
Experience of interpreting legislation and giving legal guidance and advice face-to-face, over the telephone and by email
Ability to use online and written resources to research relevant law
Understanding of the application of Judicial Review in immigration and asylum cases
Understanding of some of the key recent and upcoming changes in relevant legislation and the effects of these on our clients
Ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and to meet deadlines
Excellent communication skills
A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Ashiana Network
Ability to use IT effectively including case management systems
Willingness to familiarise yourself with legal aid requirements and procedures
Experience of providing training for front line staff
Fluency in at Bengali
Awareness
A commitment to equal opportunities in the provision of the Network’s services
Commitment and understanding of the aims and objectives of the Network
Experience in planning, developing and delivering advocacy, advice and support services
Experience of working in the voluntary or community sector
Experience of multi-disciplinary work including child protection
Experience of working with the BME women and girls
Knowledge of child protection legislation
Professional Development
To attend regular supervision and appraisal meetings
To keep up to date and to meet identified learning and development needs as appropriate, maintaining professional standards and remaining accredited at appropriate level
CIRCUMSTANCES
Essential
The post requires occasional evening and weekend work
Equality Statement
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Bengali speakers are currently underrepresented in our caseworker staff, and we welcome applications from individuals who can help us better serve our Bengali-speaking clients.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £21,866.90 per year
Expected hours: 21 per week
Benefits:
Work from home
Education:
Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Language:
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Legal Administrator position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
