Legal Administrator (Part-Time)
Ashiana Network is seeking a part-time Bengali or Sylheti speaking Legal Administrator to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity to support our legal services and work closely with the Senior Solicitor in a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation.
The role is for 21 hours per week, worked across 3 days (to be agreed). We offer a salary of £21,866.90, along with 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata).
BACKGROUND:
Ashiana started operating in 1989 and specialises in helping young women, aged 16 - 35 years, from South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern communities who are at risk of domestic violence and sexual violence.
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 sexual 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 provide interpreting in Bengali to the legal team
❑ 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
❑ To carry out any other duties in line with the objectives of the post as requested by the management Committee or Senior Managers
❑ 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 sexual 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 wellbeing.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Your application should give clear examples of experience, knowledge, skills and abilities gained in both paid and/or unpaid (volunteer) work for each of the Person Specification criteria.
EXPERIENCE:
Essential
❑ Fluency in at Bengali Sylheti or Dhaka
❑ 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 frontline staff
Awareness:
❑ An understanding of the issues effecting women & girls, particularly BME groups
❑ An understanding of the impact of discrimination on the lives of BME women and girls
❑ 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 4