Job Description

Are you looking for a varying legal role where you can help make a true difference to the lives of children and families? Are you looking for the right opportunity to start a legal career in a dynamic and supportive environment? Or perhaps looking for a new challenge in the legal field?
Wakefield Council is looking for talented and committed individual to join us in the role of Legal Officer in the Child Care Team.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to assist senior members of the team on all matters relating to safeguarding children and family support. Under appropriate supervision the post holder will assist with the preparation of legal documentation and advice, undertake research, attend hearings in the Family Court and undertake a variety of administrative tasks.
The work is highly varied and intellectually demanding. You will be expected to have knowledge of social care law and practice, and be able to work in a high pressure environment. In return, the Council will support your development with relevant training and supervision.
Wakefield Council's Child Care Team is highly regarded amongst practitioners and members of the team have received recognition from the Lawyers in Local Government Awards. Successful candidates will join a committed and dynamic service striving at pace to provide better outcomes for children and families. We offer an encouraging environment that will allow you to develop and achieve your career goals, as well as an excellent council benefits package:
Why Wakefield Council?

• We offer Flexible working.
• Full-time post of 37 hours per week .
• Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient colleagues need a good work/life balance as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace.
• Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required, Support for Carers, a Sense of Belonging.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.

Please contact the Child Care Team Manager Victoria Swithenbank on for further information and discussion.
Please note that previous candidates for the role need not apply.
Job title Legal Officer - Childcare Legal Team Job reference 244034 Date posted 24/09/2025 Application closing date 09/11/2025 Location Wakefield One, Burton St, Wakefield WF1 2EB Salary 28,598 - 31,537 Grade 6, 32,061 - 34,434 Grade 7, 35,412 - 38,220 Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Full time, Legal, Permanent Attachments Job description
Are you looking for a varying legal role where you can help make a true difference to the lives of children and families? Are you looking for the right opportunity to start a legal career in a dynamic and supportive environment? Or perhaps looking for a new challenge in the legal field?
Wakefield Council is looking for talented and committed individual to join us in the role of Legal Officer in the Child Care Team.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to assist senior members of the team on all matters relating to safeguarding children and family support. Under appropriate supervision the post holder will assist with the preparation of legal documentation and advice, undertake research, attend hearings in the Family Court and undertake a variety of administrative tasks.
The work is highly varied and intellectually demanding. You will be expected to have knowledge of social care law and practice, and be able to work in a high pressure environment. In return, the Council will support your development with relevant training and supervision.
Wakefield Council's Child Care Team is highly regarded amongst practitioners and members of the team have received recognition from the Lawyers in Local Government Awards. Successful candidates will join a committed and dynamic service striving at pace to provide better outcomes for children and families. We offer an encouraging environment that will allow you to develop and achieve your career goals, as well as an excellent council benefits package:
Why Wakefield Council?

• We offer Flexible working.
• Full-time post of 37 hours per week .
• Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient colleagues need a good work/life balance as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace.
• Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required, Support for Carers, a Sense of Belonging.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.

Skills Required