Job Description

Executive Officer Decision Maker

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is one of four key business areas within the Home Office. We are undergoing an exciting period of change. Alongside the other areas of the Home Office, the department is embarking upon a transformational programme. Operational Excellence is at the forefront of what we do.

Our aim is to contribute to the Home Office strategic objectives: preventing terrorism and extremism; cutting crime and protecting the vulnerable; and reducing immigration and preventing abuse.

The European Intake Unit is part of Resettlement, Asylum Support and Integration and has previously implemented the UK's responsibilities for intake under the Dublin Regulation, Section 76 of the Immigration Act 2016 (often referred to as the Dubs Amendment). It currently conducts the UK's commitments set out in bilateral agreements related to the transfer of asylum applicants in Europe. The unit's remit is now expanding to include Family Reunion Casework and post holders may work on any of the unit's current of future commitments.

The post holder will be working in a fast-paced government department to tight deadlines. You will be required to consider large amounts of information, formulate clear and measured arguments and write letters on behalf of the Secretary of State explaining your decision. All decisions must be made in line with Home Office policy, guidance and with reference to relevant country information and case law.

The work that you undertake is life-changing and in order to achieve your best, you will be given full training enabling you to make considered, timely and fair decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

The specific tasks, responsibilities and accountabilities of the post holder will include (but are not limited to):

- Carry out case working functions in order to make decisions on entry clearance or asylum transfer applications within the relevant decision making frameworks, adhering to all requirements of the Operating Mandate;
- To produce entry clearance or asylum transfer decisions in line with Home Office policy and guidance and with reference to approved source of country information and relevant case law;
- Conduct where appropriate, entry clearance interviews to the required Home Office standard ensuring that all information necessary to make an appropriate decision is obtained;

- To keep up to date with current country guidance and case law and if necessary seek the advice of a senior caseworker;
- Develop specialist knowledge of legislation and policy and escalate more complex issues to senior colleagues or senior caseworkers;
- Due to the sensitive nature of the work, candidates will be required to demonstrate excellent communication skills (both written and oral), emotional resilience; an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults and children and adhere to the Home Office obligations to safeguard children and vulnerable people;
- To meet an agreed annual performance target. Your performance will be monitored on a monthly basis.
- Work to strict daily workload allocation and tasking; seeking advice where barriers are encountered;
- Adapt to changing priorities and manage caseload accordingly, escalating where appropriate;
- Update IT management systems accurately in line with compliance and audit procedures and within the agreed timeframes;
- Liaise with internal and external partners to meet joint objectives;
- Work positively with stakeholders and corporate partners when representing the Home Office/ UKVI;
- Proactively manage professional development;

- Challenge negative behaviours and promote inclusivity.

Due to Covid-19, it is expected that the successful candidates will work from home initially but will be required to work in Lunar House and/or Apollo House, Croydon in future.

Persons Specification

We are looking for candidates who:

* Are committed to continuous improvement, in an environment where performance matters;
* Must be able to work under pressure and independently and deliver at pace;
* Are flexible, adaptive and creative in solving problems and dealing with change;
* Can effectively organise and plan;
* Are professional and customer-focused;
* Think in an objective and analytical manner;
* Have a strong sense of personal ethics and honesty;
* Enjoy dealing with members of the public and external and internal stakeholders;
* Can demonstrate sound interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills and thrive working as part of a team.

Due to the nature of the work you will be required to pass a security check at SC level.

Skills/ Experience

Essential skills and experience:

• 
  Can demonstrate excellent analytical skills and the ability to produce high quality work within challenging time restraints.
  * A successful track record of delivering high quality outputs within tight timescales.
  
  Desirable experience:
• 
  Immigration casework experience.
  * Litigation casework experience.
  * Experience of working across team boundaries to achieve shared goals.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Hourly pay rate: £14.84. 37 hours per week Monday to Friday 9.00am to 17.00pm.

Due to Covid-19, it is expected that the successful candidates will work from home initially but will be required to work in the offices in Croydon in the future. Your job offer would be subject to a successful SC security clearance. Hence you must have a valid passport, 2 proof of address and proof of NI. You ideally should have been living in the UK within the last 5 years.