Administration Officers (AO)

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
  
  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.