Job Title & Grade: AO Caseworker
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: Manchester
Please note: This office will be relocating to new premises in Manchester city centre in 2027.
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.
Well 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:
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making accurate decisions on applications to determine eligibility based on the merits of the case and financial eligibility of the client
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make accurate decisions on claims for payments submitted by Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the correct spending of public funds
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dealing effectively and professionally with enquiries from customers both in writing and verbally
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regular interaction with Solicitors, legal aid clients and colleagues across the LAA and MoJ
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achieving performance and quality targets in your work
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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
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Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
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Experience of working in a team
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Ability to work to deadlines or targets
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Ability to use computers and Microsoft 365
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Ability to communicate effectively 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:
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Works well both independently and as part of a team.
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Enjoys being part of a fast-paced and rewarding work environment.
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Brings a positive, can-do attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Assessment approach
Application Process
To apply please provide a statement of suitability in no more than 750 words. We require you to provide three paragraphs of 250 words each to address the following 3 requirements from the Essential Criteria separately:
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Decision Making: Ability to make decisions using evidence/information
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Teamwork: Experience of working in a team
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Time Management: Ability to work to deadlines or targets
Your individual paragraphs should demonstrate your ability to achieve these essential criteria, using examples can help strengthen your application.
Please note we do not require a CV, and we only require a Statement of Suitability for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that an 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.
You will also be asked to undertake a written exercise that will test your ability to use IT and communicate effectively. Screen sharing may be required during this exercise. Further details will be provided during the interview.
Shortlisting is planned for week commencing: Monday 17th August 2026
Interviews are planned for week commencing: Monday 14th September 2026
If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact Carla Walley, [email protected] or Kane Carlile, [email protected]
Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.
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 LAAs 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
