Welfare Benefits Solicitor and/or Caseworker

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality specialist welfare benefits advice, casework, and representation under the Legal Aid Agency contract and other funding streams. The postholder will manage a complex caseload involving welfare benefits matters, including mandatory reconsiderations, appeals, tribunal representation, and judicial review referrals, where appropriate.

The role requires a strong commitment to access to justice, supporting vulnerable clients, and ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Casework and Representation

• Manage a specialist caseload of welfare benefits matters from initial advice through to appeal and resolution.

• Prepare submissions, appeals, witness statements, and supporting documentation.

• Represent clients before the First-tier Tribunal and, where appropriate, Upper Tribunal.

• Conduct legal research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits legislation and case law.

• Identify related legal issues and make referrals where necessary.

• Ensure accurate file management.

Legal Aid and Compliance

• Ensure all files comply with Legal Aid Agency contract requirements and supervisor standards.

• Maintain accurate time recording, attendance notes, and file management.

• Undertake means and merits assessments, where required.

• Meet performance targets, billing requirements, and quality standards.

• Support file reviews, audits, and peer assessments.

Client Care

• Deliver high standards of client care to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.

• Communicate legal advice clearly and sensitively.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

• Work effectively with interpreters, support workers, and external agencies.

Partnership and Outreach

• Develop effective relationships with local agencies, charities, and community organisations.

• Participate in outreach sessions, legal clinics, and public legal education activities.

• Contribute to policy work and campaigns relating to welfare rights where appropriate.

Team Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Assist in mentoring junior staff, volunteers, and trainees where required.

• Attend supervision, training, and team meetings.

• Contribute to service development and funding applications.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Professional Status

• Eligibility to undertake publicly funded welfare benefits work.

Experience

• Significant experience in welfare benefits casework.

• Experience preparing and conducting tribunal appeals.

• Experience working with vulnerable clients and complex needs.

• Experience working independently and virtually.

Knowledge

• Detailed knowledge of welfare benefits law, procedures, and tribunal practice.

• Understanding of equality, diversity, and safeguarding principles.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.

• Ability to prioritise and manage a demanding caseload.

• Accurate drafting and analytical skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Good IT and case management skills.

• Ability to travel as necessary to attend clients, meetings and trainings.

• Commitment and ability to work within a team, communicating regularly with supervisors and colleagues.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to social justice and access to legal services.

• Professional, empathetic, and client-focused approach.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Flexible and adaptable attitude.

• Strong attention to detail.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of Upper Tribunal work and judicial review referrals.

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive, or experienced Welfare Benefits Caseworker with relevant accreditation.

• IAAS/SQM/LAA Supervisor status or willingness to work towards accreditation (if applicable).

• Knowledge of and experience in Legal Aid Agency contract requirements and compliance obligations.

• Experience supervising junior staff or volunteers.

• Ability to undertake outreach or community engagement work.

• Knowledge of housing or debt advice as linked areas of law.

The postholder will be expected to:

• Work in accordance with the organisation’s policies and procedures.

• Undertake continuing professional development and mandatory training.

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

• Carry out any other duties consistent with the role and grade.

Equal Opportunities Statement Southern England Law Centre is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, and experience.

Employee Benefits In return, we offer a supportive and rewarding working environment together with an excellent range of employee benefits, including:

• 27 days’ annual leave plus public/bank holidays.

• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

• Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme (subject to length of service).

• Enhanced employer pension contributions.

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.

• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities to support work-life balance.

• Ongoing training, personal development, and career progression opportunities.

• A collaborative and values-driven workplace committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email Human Resources at HR@selc.org.uk to request an application pack.