Administrative Officer Caseworker

Number of posts: 10 (Reserve candidates will be identified to be considered for the same or similar posts that may arise in SCTS within reasonable travelling distance of Glasgow Tribunals Centre over the next 12 months)

ABOUT SCTS

SCTS plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and OPG. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone

The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year. Behind each one of these is an individual – looking to the system to help them assert their rights, address wrongs or provide support in a time of need. It is this work – which takes place every day in our courts, tribunals and administrative centres across Scotland – that consumes most of the time, energy and skill of our staff. We take pride in working as one team and providing high levels of service to all those who use the courts, tribunals and OPG. We are always looking to improve the services we provide – through innovation and development. Whilst delivering our core services is our priority, considering how we can improve and develop is also crucial to keep delivering the highest quality service.

To help direct us towards achieving our purpose successfully, we embrace three key values of respect, service and excellence. These guide our behaviour, decisions and actions - in pursuit of fulfilling our purpose to the highest standard.

Outline of job role and purpose:

·        The Glasgow Operations based at Glasgow Tribunals Centre covers a number of jurisdictions including the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Health and Education Chamber), First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Social Security Chamber), the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.

·        The post provides an excellent opportunity for the successful applicant to be involved in a vibrant and busy working environment with the prospect of developing their own learning through frequent contact with our judicial partners and Tribunal users.

·        The post holder will be willing to build extensive knowledge of the Tribunal jurisdiction, recognising key personnel, both internal and external, whilst building an understanding of the Tribunals aims and objectives.

·        The post can involve being the first point of contact with people from both inside and outside of the Tribunal and wider SCTS organisation. The successful applicant must be self-motivated, a good communicator and have a good understanding of I.T.

·        The successful candidate will provide casework, and administrative support to the work of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, ensuring the effective operation of the jurisdiction and providing support across other jurisdictions where necessary.

The Key Responsibilities

·        Providing casework and administrative support to the work of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland ensuring the effective operation of the jurisdiction and providing support across other jurisdictions where necessary.

·        Carrying out the administration of cases including the registration of applications and following through case management processes within the set timescales.

·        Responding to enquiries by mail, email and telephone on all aspects of applications within agreed timescales from users and judicial partners.

·        Seeking and confirming the availability of tribunal members and arranging hearings at venues.

·        Ensuring that case papers are issued to all parties and tribunal members within the required timescales.

·        Ensuring that the case file for each active case is correctly updated with further correspondence when received.

·        Providing any advice as requested by the tribunal members with reference to casework procedures.

·        Assisting in collating monthly and quarterly statistics within required timescales when necessary.

·        Providing general administration as required including support for corporate functions such as event organisation and members training.

·        Embracing the multi-functioning initiative across SCTS jurisdictions.

·        Working closely with our operational support team to maximise efficiencies within SCTS using Continuous Improvement tools.

Additionally you:

·        Will have regular contact with Tribunal users, including members of the Judiciary and the legal profession. As such, you be required to competently answer queries giving consistent and reliable advice. 

·        work within a team with regular management support and will be responsible for your own time management.

Our benefits include:

·        A supportive and professional induction programme with regular check-ins with your line manager

·        Job stability and security with excellent and varied career prospects

·        Flexible working arrangements 

·        25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 days after 4 years’ service) plus 11.5 public and privilege holidays

·        Special leave and paid leave for study or voluntary public service

·        Excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme

·        Family friendly policies

·        Free and confidential Employee Assistance

·        A variety of staff discounts and offers with major retailers

·        Payment of professional membership fees

·        Access to opportunities across all Civil Service departments that are not available to non-Civil Servants

·        Security of full pay when unwell (up to a maximum of 6 months)

·        Learning and development (including digital) opportunities

To apply, click on apply button and visit our website.

The closing date for the post is: 29 September 2024

Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 28 October 2024.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.

If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.