Provision of Restricted Eligibility Support "Legal Advice Services"

As part of the Restricted Eligibility Support Service (RESS) partnership the provider under this contract is expected to supporting non-UK nationals facing or at risk of homelessness with legal advice to overcome immigration related barriers. They are expected to:

• To carry out immigration assessments, identifying and/or clarifying immigration status and options for people with restricted or undetermined eligibility, in close communication and partnership with other providers.
• To take on the cases of people who have restricted eligibility and are living in or about to enter ABEN accommodation or have been referred by the Homelessness Prevention Floating Support service.
• To provide immigration and legal advice and casework to individuals to regularise status, gain access to Public Funds and housing (including NASS support where eligible)
• To refer eligible cases on to Legal Aid solicitors via established pathways, or open cases under Legal Aid (including Exceptional Case Funding), where possible.
• To liaise with ABEN and other support providers on cases, providing updates on progress and timescales; supporting their collection of the required paperwork to support cases and working collaboratively to support clients' intersecting needs.
• To work with relevant partners (including local authorities, outreach teams and others) to identify people who require immigration advice in order to prevent or tackle rough sleeping.