Overview
We\'re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset - and you\'ll be a key part of that. We need a specialist Special Education Needs Lawyer with experience in SEND and Education legal work, including advocacy in court. Your day-to-day work will involve:
Responsibilities
* Be responsible for a mixed caseload of matters regarding SEND, without supervision.
* Provide expert legal advice, representation, and case management on matters relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as other aspects of Social Services.
* Support the Council\'s statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and related legislation, ensuring lawful, fair and effective decision making in the best interests of Children and young people.
* Provide legal advice to the Council\'s SEND and Education teams on all aspects of SEND law, including Education, Health and Care (EHC), needs assessments, plans, and placement decisions.
* Represent the Council in SEND tribunals proceedings, including preparing case statements, witness bundles and advocacy at hearings.
* Advise on judicial reviews, complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, and other legal challenges.
* Draft and review legal documents, including settlement agreements, policies and internal guidance.
* Deliver training and legal updates to the council officers, schools and elected members on SEND legal developments.
* Support the Principal Lawyer and Deputy Principal Lawyer in supervising and supporting more junior staff within the team.
* Timely and effective liaison with support staff, building and maintaining synergy working.
* Develop and foster effective working relationships with the Principal Lawyer and other lawyers within the Social Care Legal team, key stakeholders and client departments, acquiring, developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the client\'s business needs and objectives, and sharing this with the team so these are widely understood.
Salary and additional information
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. A supplement allowance of £4,718 per annum is linked to the Senior Lawyer - SEND, bringing the salary to £55,106 per annum. This allowance is subject to National Insurance, Tax and Pension deductions and will be paid in accordance with standard payroll procedures. The allowance is time-limited and will expire on 28 February 2029. All supplement allowances are reviewed 18 months from the original approval date and may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes, or market conditions. If the role is re-evaluated or the salary changes as a result of the Pay and Grading Review, the allowance may be reduced or cease entirely. If the salary changes due to the NJC Pay Award, the supplement allowance will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the intended pay differential.
Qualifications
* Solicitor, Barrister (Supreme Court of England and Wales/English Bar) or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives or equivalent relevant qualification with relevant experience.
* Evidence of work related continuing professional development in your specialist field.
* Significant experience of working successfully with Members and Directors on complex issues and the development of strategic direction.
* Salary: £55,106 per annum (inclusive of a £4,718 time limited recruitment allowance).
* 33 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
* Permanent, Full-time contract (37 hours per week).
* Relocation package up to £8,000 for those moving to Somerset.
* Taunton, Somerset based (Dynamic Working - flexible arrangements including working from home).
* Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 if relocating to Somerset.
Benefits
* We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management.
* We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
* Staff discounts in gyms.
* Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
* Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
* A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.
* The salary for the role is Grade 8 - £49,282 per annum.
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