Description 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:- To handle small claims (up to £2000) made against the Force including engaging with claimants 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 To independently review information and make decisions on liability and financial settlement for small claims To maintain the case management system/LACHS to support service delivery and timely production of data To maintain a record of claims and their outcomes to identify risk management issues arising and assist in the analysis of such risks Production of succinct information relating to all areas of work undertaken and assist in the analysis of this data To contribute towards continuous improvement in service delivery and securing value for money (VFM) To support the Principal Lawyer and civil litigation team on a routine basis and provide cover when required Provide support to the functioning of the Joint Legal Services Department as and when required 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 High level of computer literacy skills with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office primarily, Outlook, Word & Excel Proven Ability to multi-task & prioritise within a demanding environment Proven ability to work independently Experience of collating and analysing data Experience of drafting Experience of investigating claims and making informed decisions on liability Proven experience of strong team working with stakeholders at varying levels High degree of accuracy and attention to detail High level of interpersonal skills High level communication skills both written and oral Strong organisational skills Effective time management Demonstrable client care skills Self-motivated individual with the ability to work under own initiative with limited supervision or direction Desirable Experience of dealing with claims Experience of using a Claims Handling / Case Management Systems Experience of working in a legal services environment Experience of using police systems Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold. 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. Interviews: Interview dates to be confirmed. Contact: If you would like any further information regarding this role, please contact a member of our Legal Services Business Support Team at Legalwestmidlands.police.uk West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants. “Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities” By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including: - Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme - Enhanced annual leave in additional to public holiday entitlements - Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities - A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs