Close
Applications for this opportunity are now closed.
Project background
Haringey Migrant Support Centre offers specialist advice, referrals and signposting on immigration, welfare and housing to migrants. Our beneficiaries often have insecure immigration statuses and are struggling due to the policies of the ‘hostile environment’. They include people who have overstayed or are undocumented, individuals with significant health problems, those with strong family ties to the UK, those with a limited leave to remain but no recourse to public funds, etc. Around two thirds of the people we support are women, most of whom have children.
About the role
We are looking for volunteers who can assist with drafting Exceptional Case Funding application (legal aid) and liaising with clients to gather necessary evidence. This will be a large part of the volunteer's role. The candidate will:
- Make Exceptional Case Funding applications (legal aid) and liaising with the visitor to get the necessary evidence – please note that this will be a large part of the role.
- Complete any casework necessary to resolve the visitor’s immigration issues, including liaising with the visitor or external organisations, letter writing, form filling, signposting, etc.
- Conduct research as directed by the advisers
- Collate relevant evidence for the purpose of various applications and appeals
- Make referrals to solicitors or specialist organisations
- Keep ongoing record of their work on HMSC database
We also ask the intern to be flexible and to be ready to accept more tedious or administrative tasks.
Skills and competencies
• Very good writing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to write clear, precise letters and case notes, using appropriate tone and vocabulary;
• Ability to deal with a range of people and agencies over the phone
• Good computer and administration skills
• Familiarity with case management systems and databases is desirable but not essential
• Foreign language skills are very useful – please indicate language and level of proficiency whilst applying
Knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of the immigration and welfare system in the UK and of agencies relevant to the migrant/refugee sector is desirable but not essential
• Experience (even limited) in conducting casework is desirable but not essential
Personal qualities
• Empathy and understanding of the complex issues faced by migrants
• Patient, calm manner when dealing with vulnerable visitors
• Ability to work in a busy environment and to participate in the everyday running of the office
• Good communication skills
• Flexible approach, being proactive and creative in solving problems
• Efficiency and reliability
• Commitment and professional dedication
Benefits
This role is suited to those students who would like to gain experience in case funding applications and working closely with vulnerable people on their asylum and immigration matters. This opportunity will develop their understanding of the issues facing refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in the UK and ways to provide legal and practical support to vulnerable migrants facing the ‘hostile environment’.
HMSC is a small and very busy charity, where everyone contributes to the smooth running of the office and where all members of staff and volunteers are dedicated to making a difference in the life of our visitors. Interns will hopefully appreciate the direct contacts with the visitors and the very practical approach of our work. Interns will be able to shadow specialist advisers and learn from them.
Expenses
Please note that this is an unpaid internship.
HMSC will reimburse the following expenses in case the intern works at HMSC office:
• travel expenses
• lunch (up to £5)
Receipts will need to be presented.
Time commitment
We are looking for one assist who will work 1 full day on Tuesdays from mid-October until the end of March (exact dates tbc). It is essential that interns be able to attend in-person on Tuesdays.
Flexibility is paramount, in terms of location (working remotely or in the office) and in terms of tasks.
Who can apply
- UCL 2nd and 3rd/4th year LLBs or LLM students only
- Available to commit one full day every Tuesday is essential.
- Period flexible, from mid-October until the end of March (exact dates and day of the week to be discussed)
- Able to work remotely from home if need be (this means having access to a confidential working space)
How to apply & deadline
Applications for this opportunity are now closed. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Ram Sabaratnam at ram.sabaratnam.19@ucl.ac.uk.