Job Title:
Immigration and Asylum Senior Caseworker x 3 (IAAS Level 2)
Immigration and Asylum Senior Supervisor x 2 (IAAS Level 2)
Organisation: The Cotton Tree Trust
Department: Legal Department (Immigration & Asylum)
Location: 6-9 Manor Gardens, London N7 6LA
Role: Full-time
Salary: Competitive, subject to experience
About The Cotton Tree Trust
The Cotton Tree Trust was founded in October 2016 to provide support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom.
We specialise in offering high-quality legal advice and meticulously prepared asylum applications. Our legal team builds trust with clients, offering them a safe and supportive environment to share their stories. We provide professional expertise, a welcoming community, and guidance to help our clients rebuild their lives beyond trauma.
About the Role
We are seeking dedicated Immigration and Asylum Senior Caseworker x 3 (qualified as IAAS Level 2) and Immigration and Asylum Senior Supervisor x 2 (qualified as IAAS Level 2) to join our team. The successful candidates will undertake fee-earning work, supervise team members if applicable, and contribute to the continuous development of the department.
We offer a competitive salary, a good work/life balance, and flexible working options.
Key Responsibilities
Immigration and Asylum Senior Caseworker
We are seeking three Senior Caseworkers (IAAS Level 2 accredited) to undertake fee-earning work in the Legal Department. Senior Caseworkers will primarily be responsible for:
To retain accreditation.
Undertake Fee-Earners work within the Legal department
Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases.
Dealing with correspondence.
Maintaining accurate time costing procedures and recording time on the firm's case management system.
To exercise financial control over work carried out, with particular regard to the conversion of work in progress and ensuring that billing targets are met.
To ensure Quality Control compliance as defined in the Office Manual in regard to SQM/ LAA and any other quality mark implemented by the firm, dealing with non-compliance matters in an efficient and timely fashion.
Being Quality Management representatives i.e. Specialist Quality Mark Representative, LEXCEL (as applicable).
To ensure the successful development of the firm, in line with the Business Plan, this will require participation in marketing events to ensure the continuous growth of the Department, and that the turnover target set for the Department is achieved.
To assist in dealing with complaints received against you and team members.
To assist with audit enquiries, when applicable.
Any other reasonable relevant task required by Management, in particular to carry out file reviews and appraisals.
Immigration and Asylum Senior Supervisor
We are seeking two Senior Supervisors (IAAS Level 2 accredited) to oversee casework within the Legal Department, as well as to supervise and provide training to team members. Senior Supervisors will take on all responsibilities of Senior Caseworkers, with the addition of:
To retain accreditation and supervisor qualification.
Undertake Fee-Earners work within the above department and supervise.
Any other reasonable relevant task required by Management, in particular to carry out file reviews and appraisals and provide good supervision for team members.
Skills & Experience Required
For both roles, applicants must have:
IAAS Level 2 accreditation
Knowledge of immigration and asylum law.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
Strong legal knowledge and skills, including drafting of legal documents and advocacy.
Negotiation and analytical skills, enabling effective problem-solving.
Time management, working to deadlines set by relevant legal authorities.
Liaising effectively with clients and maintaining professional communication.
IAAS Level 2 accreditation
Knowledge of immigration and asylum law.
In addition, Senior Supervisors must demonstrate:
Proven training and supervision skills to support team development.
Aims & Objectives
Represent clients with their interests as the top priority, ensuring realistic expectations and clear communication.
Provide polite, considerate, and jargon-free explanations of services and costs, keeping clients informed of progress and developments.
Maintain fairness, confidentiality, and a non-discriminatory approach when handling cases.
Ensure compliance with quality standards (SQM/LEXCEL).
Provide adequate training to staff on updates and legal changes (applies only to Senior Supervisors).
Respond promptly to client inquiries, letters, and calls, while keeping them informed about costs and financial implications of their cases.
Supervise team members to ensure adherence to firm standards and quality marks (applies only to Senior Supervisors).
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting refugees and asylum seekers and meet the criteria above, we would love to hear from you!
Please send your CV and cover letter to info@cottontreetrust.org.uk.
Closing Date: 31st January 2025
The Cotton Tree Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, or background.