Community Services Lawyer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Community Services Lawyer (Childcare team) on a 3 months contract with the possibility of further extension.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To provide specialist and pro-active legal advice and assistance at a senior level on all aspects of Social Services matters (including childcare, adoption, judicial reviews, community care and mental health).
• To act as in-house advocate and undertake a minimum of 12 hearings per year in Social Services cases and to assist the Principal Advocacy Lawyer (Advocacy) and the Principal Lawyer (Childcare) in monitoring and reducing the spend on Counsel.
• To advise on the client’s powers and its decision making process and assist in ensuring the legality of its decision-making.
• To consider and give advice on committee and other similar reports and to attend committee as required.
• To take a lead in developing policy and good practice within the post holder’s area of responsibility.
• To deal with corporate complaints and Member enquiries as and when required.
• To assist with client liaison, provide clients and chief lawyer with regular updates on caseloads, to input data as required for reporting purposes and to draft reports as required.
• To use information technology systems in accordance with client’s standards.
• To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.

Requirements:

• Admitted solicitor or qualified barrister with childcare experience in public law proceedings
• Experience of advocacy and of dealing with complex social services matters including childcare, adoption, judicial review, community care and mental health
• A thorough knowledge of the law and practice relating to social services including childcare, adoption, judicial review, community care and mental health
• Thorough knowledge of Judicial Review Process and the procedure of the High Court, County Court and Magistrates Court in relation to Social Services Law
• Ability to communicate well in writing and verbally with good presentation skills
• Ability to obtain evidence, evaluate evidence, prepare cases and appear as an advocate on behalf of the client in Courts Tribunals and Inquiries, particularly in the Family Proceedings court and Magistrates court.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to comply with good practice management standards as laid down by the Law Society or other relevant body.
• Ability to use Information Technology for the purpose of casework and the provision of performance and management information

If you are interested in this role, please apply or contact Inesa for more information!