We have an exciting developmental opportunity to join us as Senior Legal Officer (Childcare) to support our Legal Child Care Team.
What will be expected from me?
This is a development role for a qualified lawyer (solicitor / ILEX / Barrister) or those close to qualification who are seeking a career in the local authority child protection legal field. You will be expected to undertake legal work including advice and advocacy at a level that matches your practical experience and level of qualification.
What I might be doing?
1. You will provide legal support, assistance and advice on matters relating to Safeguarding Children and Family Support, including preparation of complex legal documentation, negotiation, court advocacy, and research.
2. You will be responsible for a caseload of public law family matters including care, supervision, and related applications.
3. You will take responsibility for specific projects or ongoing areas of work within Legal Services relating to Safeguarding Children and Family Services as allocated by the Team Manager or Legal Manager.
Why Wakefield Council?
1. We are a leading Council for best practice and an employer of choice for individuals seeking a rewarding role and career.
2. Support and access to high-quality training programmes to progress your career to the next level.
3. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work-life balance as well as supportive leadership.
4. Access to a range of employee support products.
5. Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
6. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
7. Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.
Requirements:
1. Level 1: Educated to degree level or equivalent, or to CILEX level 3.
2. Level 2: Educated to degree level or equivalent / Admitted Solicitor (possessing a current Practising Certificate), Legal Executive or Barrister.
3. Level 3: Admitted Solicitor (possessing a current Practising Certificate), Legal Executive or Barrister.
4. Knowledge of law and practice related to Safeguarding Children and Family Support including working knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the Family Procedure Rules 2010.
5. Experience of working in a Legal Environment, including public law childcare work.
6. Experience of Local Government Practices, Procedures and ways of working.
7. Ability to use a variety of ICT software packages including specific case management systems.
8. Ability to draft documents and produce concise reports working to a tight timescale.
Want to Know More?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact Victoria Swithenbank.
Tel: 07917 504188
E-mail: vswithenbank@wakefield.gov.uk
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
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