12130 - Caseworker - Legal Aid Agency
| Posting date: | 24 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £25,582 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 December 2025 |
| Location: | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Justice |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 12130 |
Summary
Job Title & Grade: Administration Officer (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: Nottingham
Directorate: Case Management
Team: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern:
The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.
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
There may also be a business need to cover full time working hours during initial training.
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.
Reporting to: Team Manager
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 work to deadlines
• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
• Experience of working in a team
• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
• Effective written and verbal communication 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 complete the online application statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.
A 45 minute webinar is scheduled on 2 December starting at 10am to allow applicants to discuss the role further. If you are interested in attending, please register your interest within this link.
Interview / assessment Process – Stage 1
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked to show your ability using IT and written communication skills required of an administration officer.
Interview / assessment Process – Stage 2
If you are successful through the ability 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 15th December 2025
Interviews for Stage 1 are planned for week commencing 12th January 2026
Interviews for Stage 2 are planned for week commencing 2nd February 2026
If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – laura.shepherd@justice.gov.uk or michelle.jordan1@justice.gov.uk
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: Nottingham
Directorate: Case Management
Team: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern:
The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.
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
There may also be a business need to cover full time working hours during initial training.
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.
Reporting to: Team Manager
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 work to deadlines
• Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
• Experience of working in a team
• Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
• Effective written and verbal communication 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 complete the online application statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.
A 45 minute webinar is scheduled on 2 December starting at 10am to allow applicants to discuss the role further. If you are interested in attending, please register your interest within this link.
Interview / assessment Process – Stage 1
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be asked to show your ability using IT and written communication skills required of an administration officer.
Interview / assessment Process – Stage 2
If you are successful through the ability 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 15th December 2025
Interviews for Stage 1 are planned for week commencing 12th January 2026
Interviews for Stage 2 are planned for week commencing 2nd February 2026
If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – laura.shepherd@justice.gov.uk or michelle.jordan1@justice.gov.uk