Post: We invite applications for the Legal Adviser post from those who share our commitment to supporting the legal and human rights of people whose lives are affected by drug use and drug policy.
| Application closing time & date: | 5.00 pm on Monday 19 June 2023 |
| Interviews to be held: | As applications arrive |
| Start date: | As soon as possible |
| Salary: | £28,900 p.a. plus 3% pension contribution |
| Contract Type: | Full time, Permanent |
| Holidays: | 29 days plus public holidays |
| Location: | Working from home and/or office (London based) |
**(Please note: We are unable to provide feedback to those who are not shortlisted)
Since Release’s inception in 1967, the organisation has continuously and actively advocated for open access to justice for all individuals with a specific emphasis on substance misuse and dependency. By addressing the legal needs of people who use drugs and those in recovery the consequences can have a profound and positive affect not only for the individual but also for those who live, support and work with them. Reducing health and income inequalities’ significantly improves a person’s life chances and integration back into their community. Whilst legal services are available to the public via other sources, our client group will often be unable to access such services because of fear of stigma or discrimination.
Release currently operates legal outreach services in drug treatment services, sex work outreach projects, and a homeless day centre's, across ten London boroughs plus 3 new virtual services in Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Hull (and 3 more coming on-line by September) directly assisting over 1,500 individuals every year. This non-judgmental service is an opportunity for clients of the centres to access the services of a legal adviser one afternoon a week. The service is free at the point of delivery and is not dependent on legal aid. All clients receive advice and assistance, and in some cases representation.
We also operate a national drugs and legal helpline, and produce a number of free informative publications for the public, and specialist guidance material aimed at professionals in the substance misuse and dependency field.
As a member of our dynamic legal team, based in London, your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering a minimum 2 legal outreach service's at drug treatment/day centres per week, to clients of the 'host' centre's. There will also be the opportunity to participate in delivering legal services via our new 'virtual' delivery model to other regions with England.
- Completing casework resulting from our legal surgeries across London, on issues including welfare benefits, housing, and debt;
- Supporting the work of the legal team;
- Legal advice to the public and professionals about legal issues connected with drug use (training will be provided);
- Updating our specialist publications;
- Contributing to our commentary on drugs legislation;
- Assisting with the development of our website and other IT-related service initiatives and their legal compliance.
Minimum requirements for the post include:
- Completion of LLB (or GDL) plus demonstrable understanding and experience in providing social welfare legal advice in crime, housing, benefits, or debt; or
- Completion of LPC or BVC/BPTC and some experience in providing social welfare legal advice in crime, housing, benefits, or debt.
If you think you can make a difference as a Legal Adviser for Release then please download and read the job description and person specification together with the application guidelines for details.
The successful candidate will have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check upon appointment.
For further information, or an informal and confidential discussion regarding the position, please contact the Head of Legal Services – Stephen Cutter on 0207 324 2991 or via email: stephen@release.org.uk
Applications should be sent quoting reference LA0523 to recruitment@release.org.uk (attachments should be clearly denoted with the applicant’s name, and should not collectively exceed 5MB).
Applicants will receive a confirmation email of receipt.
Application Check List
*Please Note: Total documents NOT to exceed six A4 sides
Current Curriculum Vitae
Covering Letter (Supporting Statement) - This your the opportunity to explain how your skills, experience and qualifications are relevant for the role.
Good luck!