Job Introduction
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Adult Social Care Paralegal to join the well regarded, Lexcel accredited Staffordshire Legal Services Childcare and Adult Team within an equally well regarded local authority.
We are looking for motivated candidates with dynamism, energy, enthusiasm and drive who already have a wide range of demonstrable ability in relation to areas of law relating to Adult Social Care, including Court of Protection welfare and safeguarding cases, deprivation of liberty cases, deprivation of assets, community care advice under the Care Act and other legislation together with some Mental Health Act advice. The candidate will demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new areas of law.
Whilst this post relates to the work relating to adult social care the post holder must be open to working across the spectrum of the provision of Adult and Childcare legal services as these two areas develop a closer alignment within Staffordshire County Council going forward. Appropriate training and support with development will be provided.
You will undertake all aspects of legal work relating to supporting the solicitors / senior solicitors in the conduct of their caseloads.
Staffordshire Legal Services is a support service within the Corporate Services Directorate. It provides quality services, within resources, promoting Staffordshire County Council’s pursuit of excellence.
We also provides services to a range of external clients which are effective, customer friendly and provide value for money.
We endeavour to deliver by taking into account our customer commitments, our values and our individual targets.
Main Responsibility
- To assist in the drafting of documentation for court
- To assist in the preparation of applications for court, including obtaining statements from the client and partner agencies
- Conduct of routine cases under direct day to day supervision
- To support members of the team in meeting deadlines and managing their caseloads
- To liaise with a variety of professionals including internal customers, courts, solicitors and barristers’ chambers
- To undertake the preparation and update of court bundles for all hearings before the Magistrates, County and High Courts
- To undertake research on points of law or practice
- To assist the Team Senior in the administration of the team
- To provide all other support and assistance as required to the legal division generally
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and able to prioritise a varied workload. Self-motivated with excellent organisational skills and an eye for detail will also be important. Candidates must have a minimum of Level 3 Paralegal Qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field in a legal environment.
You will be expected to conduct and manage your own caseload with appropriate supervision. You must be able to communicate effectively with members, senior officers and clients.
You will also be expected to assist in the preparation of applications for court, including obtaining statements from the client and partner agencies.
Any successful candidate will be personable, confident and able to build strong internal and external relationships.
For more information about this role please contact: Samantha Gibson, Interim Deputy Legal Services Manager, on 01785 276396.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council:
Our Values:
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.
Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:
We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.
We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits:
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits.
Our recruitment process:
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Silver Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
