EO Caseworker Candidate Pack Returns Preparation

Transcription

1 EO Caseworker Candidate Pack Returns Preparation HO-IE0003

2 Welcome Thank you for your interest in this exciting, rewarding and high profile opportunity. The role of an Executive Officer [ EO ] Caseworker is pivotal in the work we do to track immigration offenders and increase compliance with Immigration Laws. Immigration Enforcement [ IE ] is responsible for preventing abuse, tracking immigration offenders and increasing compliance with Immigration Laws. Our department, Returns Preparation sits within IE and plays a crucial and significant role in tackling unlawful immigration. We pride ourselves in Returns Preparation, to be an enjoyable and great place to work. Two of our Casework colleagues, Asiya and Harpreet have provided you with a few words on what they currently do and the opportunities they have been given, further down in this Candidate Pack. Our leadership team is open and collaborative, committed to developing and supporting everyone in the department to achieve their best. Whether you feel your career goals are to be pursued within Returns Preparation, another Home Office department or the wider Civil Service, we aim to support you to achieve that goal. We encourage you to read the rest of the candidate pack. If you are committed, strive for the best and think you meet our candidate profile, please do submit an application. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you in Returns Preparation. We wish you well in your application! Ian Lines & Jazz Shoker Assistant Directors Returns Preparation Page 1

3 What s included in this pack? It s important that you read all of the information contained in this pack before you complete and submit your application. You ll find lots of useful and helpful information, guidance and hints and tips in this pack, including: Who we are What it s like to work here? The role Am I Eligible? (Essential Criteria) Location Benefits Selection Process Frequently Asked Questions Page 2

4 Who we are The Home Office leads on immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime policy, counter-extremism and counter-terrorism and works to ensure visible, responsive and accountable policing in the UK. These issues are at the heart of the Government s agenda. The challenges the Department face are significant and can change rapidly in the global environment in which we operate. This makes it one of the most exciting and stimulating Departments to work in. We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We have been recognised in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women; and were the first organisation to be Clear Assured in recognition of our work to recruit and retain disabled staff. We have been recognised as one of the Star Performers in Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. Immigration Enforcement Created in 2012 IE is an operational command of the Home Office. It is responsible for preventing abuse, tracking immigration offenders and increasing compliance with immigration laws. IE is made up of some 5000 staff deployed nationally and internationally. IE has; Immigration Removal Centres Uniformed arrest trained officers A criminal and financial investigation division An overseas network of Risk and Liaison officers An intelligence division providing services to the whole of the immigration system and caseworking teams focused on removals and foreign national offenders. We also deploy a wide range of interventions to increase compliance, and penalise those who facilitate and benefit from immigration abuse. These interventions include encouraging voluntary return; tackling those who work illegally, and those who employ them; applying enforcement capabilities - arrest, detention and deportation - to the most non-compliant and those presenting the most harm to the UK. We also routinely prosecute and disrupt organised immigration crime. Page 3

5 Returns Preparation Returns Preparation [ RP ] sits within IE. RP plays a crucial and significant role in tackling unlawful immigration by ensuring any barriers to removing a person unlawfully in the UK are cleared. This often takes the form of casework including interviews, working with enforcement colleagues, foreign embassies to obtain emergency travel documents, and the police, NHS etc. Working in Returns Preparation requires you to have strong emotional resilience and make well-balanced decisions in often difficult circumstances. We ensure those without lawful basis to remain in the UK are removed from the UK. We ensure careful consideration of all legal challenges and representations submitted. We arrange compliance visits as well as work alongside the police to regulate migration in line with government policy. We work across government and with employers, the voluntary sector and others to maximise compliance with the immigration rules. The organisation comprises more than 400 members of staff in a variety of locations in the UK. Returns Preparation has a crucial role to play in tackling illegal immigration. Page 4

6 What it s like to work here? What it's like? - A day in the life of an EO Caseworker in Returns Preparation Harpreet - I studied Information Management at university and graduated in I didn t have a specific interest and after a few jobs I decided to join the Civil Service in I did not know much about the Civil Service while I was at school, but if I did I would have saved myself from debt, not gone to university and joined the Civil Service straight after school. I joined the Civil Service in 2015 as an Administrative Assistant for the Home Office based in UK Visas and Immigration. I found that this was a great entry role into the Civil Service and a stepping stone to further my career. I then transferred to the Department of Health in 2017 as an EO Private Secretary in a ministerial Private Office, and quickly learnt that I had a stronger interest in immigration and preferred to be in a more independent role. I transferred back to the Home Office in 2018 as an EO Caseworker in Immigration Enforcement. The Caseworker role interested me as it involved aspects of criminality. From reading the job description, I thought my previous litigation experience and interest in immigration would provide a new and exciting environment to further develop my skills and knowledge. I enjoy the wide variety of tasks which you take on within the role. I also enjoy being able to progress a case from the beginning to the end. There is high job satisfaction when you finally resolve the case, and it is an elated feeling to contribute to reducing the size of the illegal population and protecting the public from harm. I have become more interested in the investigatory side of the job. I m learning a lot about myself which will aid my career progression. I am developing my existing litigation skills and working in an area of which I had no previous experience. The caseworker role has helped develop my investigative and analytical skills particularly in the use of intelligence, enabling me to make well informed decisions. I would recommend the caseworker role to anyone who wants to work at the heart of government. This position has a positive effect on some of the challenges facing our country today. I would recommend the Home Office for its flexible, professional and diverse environment that values and promotes a healthy work life balance. You will be able to develop a wide range of skills and experience, which will help you build a rewarding career. Page 5

7 Asiya After completing my degree in Economics in July 2015, I knew I wanted to work at the heart of Government, and be in a position to positively affect some of the challenges facing our country today. At this point, I actively began searching for a career within the Civil Service. Fast forward one year later I began my role as an Administrative Assistant within the Home Office Litigation Unit. Working in Litigation gave me the chance to develop my knowledge on Immigration matters. I enjoyed reading different cases and soon became interested in Immigration Enforcement. Knowing the Civil Service provides great career opportunities, I applied on promotion to become an EO Caseworker. My application was successful and I was promoted to the Immigration Enforcement Casework team. I work closely with other departments across IE, the Home Office and wider public sector. I work with different partners to regulate migration in line with the law and government policy and support economic growth. Working collaboratively gives me a sense of achievement because I know that my work plays a significant part in the reduction of the illegal population in the UK. As a caseworker I m faced with constant challenges that need to be overcome in order to support the business to achieve its primary objective of securing the UK s borders and effectively managing immigration. The fact that you need to think on your feet and be an all round problem solver means that successes are extremely rewarding and are always championed within the department. Effectively managing an evolving caseload has ensured that my time management and organisational skills have always been tested, and as a result I have a real self-awareness of my development in these areas since starting in the role. Having joined the Home Office with no previous experience I was surprised at how quickly I was able to get into managing a caseload. I have always had a natural curiosity and I think that has helped me as a Caseworker. Immigration Enforcement is a great place to work. I have been given so many opportunities to develop myself. I have visited Immigration Removal Centres, immigration contact management centres and attended court hearings. I would recommend anyone to apply for the role that enjoys taking responsibility for their own work, and enjoy being part of an enthusiastic and supportive team. The role also requires a degree of problem solving, and therefore would be a perfect fit for someone who likes to solve problems. Page 6

8 We are looking for people who: Person The role Enthusiastic and dedicated Work flexibly (adapt to changing priorities) Can follow set procedures and rules Can communicate effectively Have good IT skills Are Team players Good time management skills can work to deadlines Professional Emotionally resilient Responsibilities Case management (ownership) determining next steps on each case Make well balanced and reasoned decisions Working with key partners such as the police, NHS, etc to conclude cases Conducting interviews to ascertain immigration status (training will be provided) Line Management Managing own performance and attendance Update Home Office databases of all actions taken on a case Personal development Identify own training needs and skills gaps Keeping up to date with changes to policy, procedure, legislation and case law Conducting basic interviews (once trained) Home Office file management Draft official letters, s to internal and external stakeholders Competencies You will be assessed against these competencies during the selection process: Making effective decisions Collaborating and partnering Delivering at pace Managing a quality service Page 7

9 Working Hours 37 hours a week Upon successfully completing the probationary period, a flexi-time system (subject to change in line with business needs) which provides employees (apart from shift workers) with flexibility over when they start and end their working day within core periods. It also allows employees to accrue flexi-hours as credits. These can be taken as Flexi Leave in addition to the annual leave and the public and privilege holiday entitlement (Please note that flexi leave is only available after the successful completion of the probation period). Salary and Grade Executive Officer Caseworker starting 26,866 pa (London) Contract type Permanent appointment. (Subject to successful completion of probation period). Probationary Period All successful candidates will be offered a position of EO Caseworker subject to them passing a 6 month probationary period. Page 8

10 Am I Eligible? (Essential Criteria) Essential Criteria Minimum 2 A levels at grades A*-C, and a minimum grade C at GCSE English Language and Maths. Equivalent qualifications (including international qualifications of the same level) will be accepted. Please note the following: We reserve the right to verify that you hold these qualifications or meet one of these criteria as part of the application process; If you need any help determining if your qualifications are the equivalent of 2 A levels A*- C, please visit or speak to your local careers service; We will consider some vocational qualification equivalents which are formally accredited and can be evidenced as the equivalent of 2 A levels grades A*- C; We also reserve the right to complete independent checks. Any false declaration will result in your application being withdrawn, or you may be subject to dismissal. Eligibility This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules, and is therefore open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA Nationals and certain non EEA members. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. You will need to undergo and pass a security clearance check (Counter Terrorist Check). Under statutory identification rules, at the interview stage all candidates (including those from other government departments) will need to produce the following documents and bring them to the interview. A: One of the following Full valid current 10-year British Passport Other full valid passport, including European Union Identification Card B: Plus two of the following as additional forms of identity Bank or building society statement at given address - dated within the last 3 months Credit Card statement at given address - dated within the last 3 months Original Birth Certificate (long version) Adoption Certificate (issued within 42 days of adoption order) Full photo card Driving Licence Utility Bill (dated within the last three months) / Council Tax Bill (dated within the current tax year) sent to your given address (Please note Mobile Phone Bills will not be accepted) Page 9

11 C: Plus one recent passport photo of yourself Candidates who have never worked in the UK will be required to provide proof of their National Insurance Number using one of the following: National Insurance Card Original letter confirming National Insurance Number issued by a Government Department Candidates who fall into the groups below will need to bring with them evidence of their immigration status: British National who has been naturalised: Naturalisation certificate EEA, Turkish or Swiss National: Residence permits (if held) Commonwealth citizen with no restriction or time limit attached to your stay in the UK: Original Home Office papers confirming indefinite leave to remain. If you are unable to produce some of the documents mentioned above, please contact us for advice at: CandidateEnquiries@capitaras.co.uk Location The posts will be based in the Hounslow area (West London) Please note that travel to other IE offices in Greater London may be required. Benefits There are many benefits of working for Immigration Enforcement, including some of the best training programmes and rewards in the labour market today: 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 10 years service (new entrants) 8 days bank/public holidays and 1 privilege day Pension scheme Excellent career progression opportunities and personal development Flexible working (including part time, compressed hours, term time etc) Childcare voucher scheme Cycle to work scheme Free Eye tests Support and network groups Employee assistance programmes Page 10

12 Selection Process We will be using a blended competency and strengths based selection process. This will consist of an online Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Test and, an Assessment Centre at a designated location. Whilst we are interested in what you have done in the past, our selection process will focus on your aspiration to join Returns Preparation, Immigration Enforcement. Due to the limited number of vacancies, we cannot guarantee all candidates successfully passing the selection process will be offered a position. We will retain a reserve list for up to 12months in this event. Selection There is a 4 stage selection process: The dates given are a guide only and subject to change. Online Application Online Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Test Assessment Centre Formal written offer Closing Date: 23:59 on 4 June 2018 Closing Date: 23:59 on 12 June 2018 W/C 18 June 2018 From 25 June 2018 Stage 1 - Online Application Please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete your online application. Any applicant applying under the Disability Confident Guaranteed Interview Scheme will be guaranteed and interview as long as they meet the minimum criteria for the post. Please note the closing date for your online application is 23:59 on 4 June Page 11

13 Stage 2 - Online Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Test Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an asking you to complete online Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Tests. The Verbal Reasoning Test contains a series of questions designed to measure a candidate s ability to interpret information and reach correct conclusions. The numerical reasoning tests candidate s ability to make calculations and numerical ability. You will receive instructions on how to complete the tests and have the chance to familiarise yourself with the test format before you start. Please ensure that you sit the tests in a quiet environment free from interruption. Both tests will take around 40 minutes to complete. Once started; you must complete each test in one sitting. You must complete your test by 23:59 on 12 June Stage 3 - Assessment Centre On successfully passing the Online Test (stage 2) you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre week commencing 18 June You will be notified of your exact date, time and location by . We will assess you against four competencies at the Assessment Centre, these are; Making effective Decisions Case Study Managing a quality service Case Study Collaborating and Partnering Interview Delivering at Pace - Interview Each assessment is specific to the role of Executive Officer Caseworker with tasks designed purposely to coincide with the required skills. Please remember that you are being assessed against these skills in each exercise. You must pass the Case Study in order to progress to the blended interview. At this interview, you will be asked to demonstrate effective behaviours of Collaborating and Partnering. For more information on what a Blended Interview is, please see the FAQ at the end of this pack. The format of the day will be as follows: 1) Case Study: The aim of the case study is to assess your ability to demonstrate the following competencies Making Effective Decisions and Managing a Quality Service 2) Panel Interview: The aim of the panel interview is to assess your ability to demonstrate the following competencies Collaborating and Partnering and, Delivering at Pace. Please refer to the Civil Service Competency Framework. You must bring the relevant identity documents listed under Essential Criteria and Eligibility on page Stage 4 - Formal written Offer All interviews will be scored and ranked. Should you be one of the highest scoring candidates at the interview, you will be notified formally in writing ( ) from w/c 25 June 2018 onwards, that you have either been offered a position or, have been offered a place on the Reserve List. Unfortunately, we cannot provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. Page 12

14 Frequently Asked Questions What is a Blended Interview? A Blended Interview is a more flexible style of interviewing focussing on your experience and also about what you find enjoyable and engaging, using a combination of two distinctive question types: Strength questions These questions focus on motivation and passion. They do not require a structured or detailed response and are more focused on a natural and honest discussion around areas of enjoyment and effectiveness. Competency/Capability questions These questions are structured around reacting to a particular situation and seek to provide an insight into natural instinct and thought process as well as give an indication on how realistic scenarios within the role would be handled. How do I prepare for the Case Study at the Assessment Centre? You don t need to bring anything with you as all equipment will be provided nor do you have to prepare anything in advance. How do I prepare for the Interview? Should you be successful at the Case Study, you will be called to attend a 20 minute interview. We do not require any specific information from you in advance; however, we do recommend that you spend some time thinking about the qualities and skills that the interview panel will look for in line with the job description. It is important to remember that the panel will be looking for evidence of team work, problem solving and initiative in all candidates who attend the assessment centre and will be assessing your individual capability for each of these skills. Please refer to the Civil Service Core Competency Framework updated 1 May 2018 ( I am an existing civil servant, can I apply? Yes. We are pleased to consider applications from all candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria, including those currently employed within the Home Office or another government department. Are these fixed term appointments? No. These are permanent positions (once successful completion of the probation period has been achieved). Are there flexible working arrangements available? Yes. All applications for flexible working will be considered in line with our Probation and Flexible Working Policies. We will endeavour to do all we can to grant flexible working requests. Page 13

15 Are there car parking facilities on site? The Home Office is not obliged to provide parking for staff unless there are exceptional reasons. Parking is not guaranteed. Will I get feedback on my application, online test and interview if I am unsuccessful? No. We anticipate a large volume of applications and due to this; we are unable to provide detailed feedback on your application or interview. We apologise for this in advance of your application. I have a disability. What support or adjustments can I expect? Immigration Enforcement and The Home Office are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To demonstrate our commitment, we use the Disability Symbol which is awarded by the Job Centre Plus. As a symbol user, we guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post which is: Pass the online test The Home Office operates a guaranteed interview scheme for people with disabilities (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who meet the minimum criteria for this appointment as published in the advert. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, please complete the appropriate section on the online application form. This will enable us to make the appropriate arrangements, if necessary. What are the details of the pension scheme I ll be on? Pension schemes are available and more information will be provided to successful candidates. For further information on these schemes please refer to the following website Who do I contact if I have any further questions? If you experience any issues with submitting your online application, completing the test, or you have any question about the posts or the recruitment campaign, please us at CandidateEnquiries@capitaras.co.uk. A member of the recruitment team will contact you by or phone. Please also provide your name and contact details in the . You will receive a response within 48 hours of submitting your query. Page 14