Impactful Caseworker in Manchester Hybrid
Posted 1 day 14 hours ago by Ministry of Justice
Permanent
Not Specified
Temporary Jobs
Lancashire, Manchester, United Kingdom, M21 0
Job Description
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Manchester
Region
Greater Manchester
Closing Date
12-Aug-2026
Post Type
Permanent
AO
Number of jobs available
2
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
20498
Descriptions & requirements Job Title & Grade: AO Caseworker
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary range (depending on location):
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: Manchester
Please note: This office will be relocating to new premises in Manchester city centre in 2027.
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:
Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills
No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. However, we are looking for someone who:
If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.
The LAA's goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long term illness or caring responsibilities.
Reasonable Adjustments We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.
Complaints procedure If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) - See Map . All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part time, flexible and job sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part time, flexible and job sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ's Flexible Working policy.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Manchester
Region
Greater Manchester
Closing Date
12-Aug-2026
Post Type
Permanent
AO
Number of jobs available
2
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
20498
Descriptions & requirements Job Title & Grade: AO Caseworker
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary range (depending on location):
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: Manchester
Please note: This office will be relocating to new premises in Manchester city centre in 2027.
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
Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills
- Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
- Experience of working in a team
- Ability to work to deadlines or targets
- Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
- Ability to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills
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.
If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.
The LAA's goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long term illness or caring responsibilities.
Reasonable Adjustments We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.
Complaints procedure If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) - See Map . All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part time, flexible and job sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part time, flexible and job sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ's Flexible Working policy.
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service. . click apply for full job details