Job Description

Community Advice Newry, Mourne and Down (formerly Citizens Advice) is recruiting a Tribunal Representative with advice duties to join our small, dynamic and highly effective team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional who is committed to social justice and supporting people through the welfare and tribunal system.

About the role

The Tribunal Representative will be based in our Ballymote Centre, Downpatrick, working closely with our Newry-based Representative and the wider advice team. The post holder will provide specialist tribunal advice, prepare and present appeal cases, and represent clients at tribunals, either remotely or in person.

Alongside tribunal work, you will be trained as an Adviser to support the delivery of general advice services and to provide guidance to other advisers on appeals, Mandatory Reconsiderations (MRs) and Notices of Appeal (NOA1).

Full training and ongoing professional development will be provided.

Key responsibilities

Tribunal representation and specialist advice

Provide specialist advice and representation to clients at appeal tribunals. Prepare, submit and present appeal cases to statutory bodies, tribunals and courts where appropriate. Support clients through Mandatory Reconsiderations and appeal processes. Act on behalf of clients through negotiation, correspondence and liaison with statutory and non-statutory bodies. Assist clients with related issues that are integral to their case. Provide advice and support to colleagues on tribunal and appeal matters.
Advice delivery

Interview clients face-to-face and by telephone, using sensitive listening and questioning skills to identify issues and agree appropriate actions. Deliver casework across the full range of tribunal and welfare rights issues. Refer clients internally or externally to specialist agencies as appropriate. Attend outreach sessions where required.
Quality, recording and policy

Ensure all work meets the Quality of Advice Standard and organisational procedures. Maintain accurate and detailed electronic case records for continuity, monitoring and reporting. Contribute to social policy work by recording and reporting client experiences and trends.
Professional development and administration

Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policy and procedures. Attend supervision, team meetings, and internal/external training as agreed. Use IT systems effectively for case management, statistical recording and document production.
Person specification

Essential

Strong oral and written communication skills. An organised and methodical approach to casework, with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines. Understanding of the issues involved in interviewing and representing clients. Numeracy skills sufficient for benefit entitlement calculations. Ability to use IT systems, including Microsoft Office, email and electronic diaries. Ability to give and receive feedback constructively and work effectively as part of a team. Commitment to quality standards, equality, diversity and the principles of the Citizens Advice service. Commitment to ongoing professional development. Ability to deliver talks and information about our service. Access to a car to attend tribunals and the Newry office if required.
Desirable

A third-level qualification (preferably in law or with law modules), OR completion of the Advice NI or Law Centre Training Programme with experience of providing benefits advice and benefit calculations in a social welfare context (minimum 1 year's experience desirable). Completion of Advice NI or Law Centre Training Programme and experience of benefits advice and/or representation at benefit appeals
We reserve the right to shortlist using enhanced criteria.

Terms and conditions

Location: Ballymote Centre, Downpatrick Hours: 35 hours per week Salary: Discussed at interview Annual leave: 25 days plus statutory holidays Pension: Standard Life pension scheme Additional benefits: Westfield Private Health Insurance (after one year, increasing after 5 and 10 years' service) Death in Service Insurance Wellness half-day for your birthday
About us

Community Advice Newry, Mourne and Down provides an effective, high-quality advice service across the district. We are committed to equality, fairness and creating a supportive workplace, making us a great place to work.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to:
anne@advicenmd.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 24,500.00-30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person