We have a vacancy for 1 FTE Principal Lawyer or Lawyer (dependent on experience) to join our Safeguarding Legal Team.
Our vacancy would be suitable for qualified lawyers with relevant experience in all aspects of Adult Social Care matters but also of benefit would be any experience of Special Educational Needs legal matters. Applications from those with local government or private sector experience are welcomed.
Our Team Structure
Our Legal Service is made up of 4 teams: (1) Legal Practice; (2) Commercial; (3) Safeguarding; and (4) Regulatory. The Legal Practice Team provides an administrative and supportive ‘hub’ for the legal teams.
Our Vacant Post
If you joined us you would work on a range of legal matters including both adult social care and special educational needs cases. The team covers a range of areas and an interest and ability to pick up other areas of work would be an advantage.
The Safeguarding Team has a focus on delivering specialist advice and court representation in areas including:
* Adults Safeguarding and Court of Protection
* Children’s Safeguarding and Adoption
* General education queries
* Special Educational Needs Tribunal work
If you were to join us your duties will include the following:
* Under the direction of the Legal Team Manager and/or Principal Lawyer to assist in the supervision of junior lawyers, trainees, apprentices, legal assistants and such other staff as may be appropriate.
* Act as a professional within the Legal Team ensuring the delivery of effective and efficient Legal Services to the Council.
* Lead on cases or projects.
* Collaborate with colleagues to provide strategic legal advice on complex matters.
* Provide professional legal advice and guidance as required to the Council, its Committees, the Elected Mayor and Cabinet and Officers, relevant to the functions and duties of the Council, including via the effective supervision of or support to colleagues within the Legal Services team resource and/or instructing external advisors where required.
* Preparation of reports for consideration by Members and officers, and attending and advising at meetings as required.
* Observe and maintain good working practices to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency within the team and the wider service.
* Responsible for confidential information held within the team.
* Undertake such other duties as may from time to time be allocated commensurate with the seniority and qualifications of the post.
A comprehensive induction programme will be given to new colleagues including any additional support for those wishing to make a move from the private to public sector.
We will be accepting CVs and interviews will take place on a rolling basis until candidates are appointed.
If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about working for Legal Services at North Tyneside Council please get in touch (contact details can be found below).
Our Team Ethos
We are committed to providing excellent public service and making a difference within our local community and region.
We provide a supportive environment for the development and maintenance of your professional skills and career at all stages. We have a number of trainee and solicitor apprentices successfully working towards qualification and can also offer apprenticeship opportunities at higher level for qualified staff.
You will have access to a webinar training resource covering a range of legal areas. You will also have access to the Newcastle Law Society and Lawyers in Local Government membership together with the networking and training opportunities they provide.
Hybrid working and flexible working options are available. It’s usually what you do, not where and when you do it that matters! We offer a modern, open plan working environment with opportunities to use technology to work in a flexible and agile way. Our extensive law library is fully available to you on-line.
We have a strong culture of teamwork and there are always opportunities to widen your knowledge and experience by getting involved in projects and novel queries.
Why North Tyneside Council?
Located in the heart of north east England, North Tyneside is a dynamic and exciting place to live, work and visit and is part of the North East Combined Authority.
It includes four towns, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Killingworth and Wallsend and has a population of 205,000. We have an outstanding coastline with award winning beaches that drive our visitor economy with Whitley Bay recently announced as the best place to live in the North East (The Sunday Times 2023).
We are an ambitious local authority that listens to, cares for and represents our residents in everything we do. We have vibrant communities, a strong heritage and bright future.
We will strive to make you feel valued from the moment you join us. We have a comprehensive induction process and an experienced and approachable team to ensure you are supported in your role from day one.
In return for your valuable contribution you will have access to our excellent benefits package:
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (for contracts of 3 months or more)
* A supportive Occupational Sick Pay scheme
* A generous annual leave allowance, which increases with service, plus bank holidays
* Annual pay increments up to the top of the salary grade
* A range of flexible working and leave options, including part-time working, to support work/life balance (subject to business requirements)
* Access to Occupational Health services including physiotherapy and counselling
* Our Employee Assistance Programme which includes a telephone helpline and extensive online resources for support and advice
* Extensive training and development opportunities including access to our Learning Pool online platform
* Supported career progression
* Discounted membership of our Leisure Centres including 5 gyms; 4 pools; 1 spa and over 250 classes every week
* The ‘Benefits Plus’ Scheme enabling salary sacrifice for Car Leasing; Cycle to Work Scheme; additional annual leave, public transport season tickets, and professional subscriptions
* Credit Union Savings Scheme
Further information about eligibility can be found on our Benefits and Rewards page on North East Jobs.
If you would like to be part of our team and are committed to providing excellent legal services in this vital area of work, we look forward to hearing from you.
For more information, please see the attached job description or for an informal discussion please contact:
Zoe Atkinson, Legal Team Manager – Safeguarding: 0191 643 5343; zoe.atkinson@northtyneside.gov.uk
Louise Watson, Senior Manager Legal and Registration Services: 0191 643 5325; louise.watson@northtyneside.gov.uk
For information about North Tyneside Council, the benefits of working for us, and the many attractions of working and living in North Tyneside please see the council’s “About Us” pages on www.northeastjobs.org.uk.
North Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to familiarise themselves with all relevant policies, procedures, and guidance. Within North Tyneside, safeguarding is everybody's business.
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