An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Litigation Team within West Midlands and Staffordshire Police Joint Legal Services, as a Small Claims Handler. This role is vital in ensuring the prompt investigation of small claims made against the Forces, including engaging with claimants. Primarily, the focus of this role is to independently review information and make decisions on liability and financial settlement for small claims.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To handle small claims (up to £2000) made against the Force including engaging with claimants.
2. To administer, investigate and conclude small claims received from all departments within the force, members of the public and 'Client Forces' including using a variety of police systems to investigate claims and draft letters of response.
3. To independently review information and make decisions on liability and financial settlement for small claims.
4. To maintain the case management system/LACHS to support service delivery and timely production of data.
5. To maintain a record of claims and their outcomes to identify risk management issues arising and assist in the analysis of such risks.
6. Production of succinct information relating to all areas of work undertaken and assist in the analysis of this data.
7. To contribute towards continuous improvement in service delivery and securing value for money (VFM).
8. To support the Principal Lawyer and civil litigation team on a routine basis and provide cover when required.
9. Provide support to the functioning of the Joint Legal Services Department as and when required.
10. To carry out any other duties commensurate with the purpose and grading of the post that may from time to time be determined.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
1. High level of computer literacy skills with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office primarily, Outlook, Word & Excel.
2. Proven ability to multi-task & prioritise within a demanding environment.
3. Proven ability to work independently.
4. Experience of collating and analysing data.
5. Experience of drafting.
6. Experience of investigating claims and making informed decisions on liability.
7. Proven experience of strong team working with stakeholders at varying levels.
8. High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
9. High level of interpersonal skills.
10. High level communication skills both written and oral.
11. Strong organisational skills.
12. Effective time management.
13. Demonstrable client care skills.
14. Self-motivated individual with the ability to work under own initiative with limited supervision or direction.
Desirable:
1. Experience of dealing with claims.
2. Experience of using a Claims Handling / Case Management Systems.
3. Experience of working in a legal services environment.
4. Experience of using police systems.
Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter-Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.
Hours: Full-Time (36.5 hours) between core hours of 08:00-16:00.
Contact: If you would like any further information regarding this role, please contact a member of our Legal Services Business Support Team at Legal@westmidlands.police.uk
By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
1. Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
2. Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
3. Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
4. A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr