22981 - Caseworker - South Tyneside - Legal Aid AgencyGeneral Information

Salary

£25,582

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach

External

Location

Jarrow

Region

North East

Closing Date

19-Oct-2026

Post Type

Permanent

Civil Service Grade

AO

Number of jobs available

6

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

22981

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title & Grade: Caseworker - AO

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary range (depending on location):

National - £25,582

Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.

Location: South Tyneside

Minimum Working Pattern:

If you are applying for a part time role, please note that in order to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 21 hours and to cover 3 days of the week

To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). At the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), we have a vital purpose. We help eligible people meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal in England and Wales.

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service and are proud of our supportive, inclusive culture.

We'll invest in you by providing structured training and development opportunities

This is a great chance to start your career with the LAA and we offer real opportunities to progress and develop your career, either with us or the wider Civil Service if you choose.

Case Management

The Case Management team is central to the Agency, it is responsible for handling legal aid applications, processing case payments and dealing with correspondence and enquiries received in both Civil and Criminal Legal aid matters. Our dedicated staff ensure that 600,000 new clients access justice each year, while ensuring that legal aid lawyers are paid fairly.

We listen and engage with all staff in case management, ensuring we always value the 'caseworker voice' and that this is represented when delivering change. We support all staff in our work, recognising success and promoting a positive and healthy work-life balance.

We have a culture where new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.

Job Summary

Our Administration Officers (AO) are responsible for processing applications for legal aid and assessing claims for payments in accordance with regulations and guidance.

Working as part of a team, you'll manage your own time while helping to achieve operational, performance and service standards within your work area.

Following training you will be required to maintain an up to date understanding of current guidance and regulations in either Criminal Court proceedings or Civil proceedings.

The role can include the following:

• making accurate decisions on applications to determine eligibility based on the merits of the case and financial eligibility of the client
• make accurate decisions on claims for payments submitted by Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the correct spending of public funds
• dealing effectively and professionally with enquiries from customers both in writing and verbally
• regular interaction with Solicitors, legal aid clients and colleagues across the LAA and MoJ
• achieving performance and quality targets in your work
• ensuring information and data is recorded accurately on case management systems and that case records are up to date

Being an AO caseworker within the LAA is an interesting and varied role, where you can make a real difference.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills

• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information

• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365

• Experience of working in a team

• Ability to work to deadlines

• Ability to communicate using written and verbal skills

Person Specification

No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:

• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Enjoys being part of a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Assessment approach

Application Process

To apply please provide a 250-word behaviour statement and a statement of suitability in no more than 750 words. In the statement of suitability, We require you to provide three paragraphs of 250 words each to address the following 3 requirements from the Essential Criteria separately:

• IT skills: Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365

• Teamwork: Experience of working in a team

• Time Management: Ability to work to deadlines

Your individual paragraphs should demonstrate your ability to achieve these essential criteria, using examples can help strengthen your application.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the lead Behaviour, Making effective decisions. Candidates who pass the initial sift will progress to a full sift of your statement.

Please note, that we only require a Statement of Suitability and a Behaviour for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that a CV and/or Experience question is also required, however this is not necessary.

Interview / assessment Process

If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked an experience question based on the essential skills and experience required of an administration officer and 3 strength-based questions.

Shortlisting is planned for week commencing: 19th October 2026

Interviews are planned for week commencing: 23rd November 2026

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact - Louise Guthrie,

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