Job Description

We adopt a 'name blind' approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.

Organisation

Kirklees

Directorate

Public Health and Corporate Resources

Service Area

Governance & Commissioning

Hours

37 per post

Number of Jobs

3

Location(s)

Huddersfield and hybrid including locations and courts outside of Kirklees

Position type

Temporary

Length of contract

May 2026

Grade

7-8

Salary

28624 - 32654

Appointment will be made at Grade 7

Kirklees Council is looking to recruit 1 temporary Assistant Legal Officer to cover 12 months maternity leave and 2 temporary Assistant Legal Officers (up to 12 months) to cover Apprentice rotations.


Kirklees Legal Services is one of the largest legal practices in the area and carries out legal work required by the Council.


The team provides advice and advocacy services in the fields of Children Safeguarding and Specialist Provision, and Vulnerable Adults which includes the fields of Mental Health, Community Care. We are a large and busy team with a number of Solicitors, Assistant Legal Officers and support staff.


You should have relevant experience in a legal office dealing with childcare work or court of protection, or other legal work at a similar level. Knowledge of legal procedures relating to childcare or family proceedings is desirable. English to GCSE level (or equivalent competencies) and the ability to communicate professionally and comprehensively is essential in both written and oral tasks.


The job is demanding but highly rewarding.


You will receive comprehensive training and support on our first class case management and court bundling software.


Kirklees Council is committed to developing its staff by developing career pathways for our Assistant Legal Officers to achieve more senior and qualified roles in house. In particular, we are delighted to offer the opportunity to Assistant Legal Officers who hold the relevant qualifications (a 2:2 honours degree in law, or a 2:2 honours degree in a non-law subject and a minimum pass in a PGDL/GDL) to apply for the Solicitor SQE Apprenticeship scheme (subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period). This fully funded development opportunity is open to applications from

permanent

employees of Legal Services to train as a solicitor alongside their current role.


Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees!

5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years' service. Cycle to work scheme. Travel and parking discounts Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies Local Government Pension Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a whole range of services from counselling, Physiotherapy and Health assessments

Kirklees offers many other benefits that become available to you once appointed, to get more of insight into these please click this link - Staff Benefits (kirklees.gov.uk)


Flexibility and a positive approach are essential, along with a desire to work as part of a supportive and committed team.

Please contact

Joanna Magagula (

joanna.magagula@kirklees.gov.uk

) or Lee Binns (

lee.binns@kirklees.gov.uk

) on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

Lynn Asghar

is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

We know there's a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email:

jobs@kirklees.gov.uk

or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for 'Recruitment'.
If you are internal and want to apply for this job as a secondment you must be a substantive employee of the Council with over 6 months continuous service and have successfully completed your probation period.


Applications for secondments will only be accepted if approved by your manager, you will be asked to confirm on your application form that you have the relevant permission. If you are refused permission to apply for a secondment, please contact HR Recruitment to register the refusal.


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date

11 June 2025, 11:55 PM