Job Description

Job Purpose:

To undertake legal work within the relevant functional area and to advise on legal matters; to act on the Council's instructions as a Legal Executive or equivalent.

The relevant functional area is Community, and the caseload consists of childcare (public and private law) and related areas including advice, preparation of applications to Court for orders, representing the Council, preparing cases and interviewing witnesses, drafting papers in connection with proceedings and statements and legal work necessary for the performance of the Team's functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

This post reports directly to the Principal Solicitor Community but the Post holder may be required to work at the direction of the Operational Manager.

Job Specific Requirements

1. To be responsible for the management of a caseload and progression of cases relating to Children Services/Adult Services legal work under the direct supervision of the Operational Managers.

2. To represent the Community Department by attending Legal Planning Meetings and pre proceedings PLO Meetings.

3. To consider relevant evidence to assist and guide the Client Departments in decision making to ensure that proper process is followed and any decision making can withstand scrutiny and challenge by Court and relevant professionals.

4. To prepare legal advice and guidance in respect of allocated cases.

5. To provide assistance on legal matters as requested by the Lawyers on matters relating to Children Services/Adult Services queries.

6. Liaising with social workers, professional witness, lay witness, expert witnesses, outside agencies, Counsel and Solicitors as required in the conduct of any matter referred to in point 1 - 6 above.

7. Quality Assurance of Letters, Section 7 Reports, Section 37 Reports, PLO Letters, witness statements, risk assessments, safety plans and any other documentation relating to allocated cases.

8. Drafting relevant documentation for case progression to include but not limited to Letters of Instruction, court orders and position statements

9. Dealing with enquires for legal advice submitted to the Community Services Team in an efficient and courteous matter and ensure the necessary assistance to the Client Department is provided.

10. Keep abreast of developments in the relevant areas of law

11. Assist the Legal Officers within the team with any queries they have in relation to their areas of work.

12. Operate any computerised equipment including a case management system maintained by Legal Services.

13. To attend in-house and external training courses as required by the Operational Managers.

14. Draft and deliver appropriate briefing/guidance notes to the Client Department, where appropriate.

15. To generally support the work of the Community Team as may be reasonably required of you, commensurate with the grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

16. To undertake any additional duties which are required by the Operational Managers/Lawyers where appropriate to ensure the effective performance of Legal Services.

17. Take responsibility for ensuring work processes are complied with in the exercise of their day to day role.

18. Contributing to improvements relating to work processes and service delivery if identified.

19. Attending Team Meetings with Lawyers and legal officers, and dealing appropriately with any issues that arise from those meetings.

Corporate Requirements

1. To participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as stated in the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy.

2. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions and to comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate.

3. To, as a statutory duty, adhere to the Council's Corporate Safeguarding Policy and associated policies and procedures and to report concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children or adults at risk. In order to support you in this, you are required to access safeguarding training at the level which is relevant to this post.

4. As a term of your employment you may be required to undertake such other duties and/or times of work as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

5. Whilst the Council is supportive of hybrid working, you will be required to work from various locations in accordance with the needs of the role. The post holder must be able to travel at short notice to locations relevant to the role

Qualified

Legal Executive at a minimum.

Experience commensurate with completion of necessary qualification or equivalent period of training.

Knowledge of work within the functional area.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 38.00-40.00 per hour

Experience:

Senior Legal Officer : 3 years (required) RQ1630063: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: Remote