Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd is a true one of a kind. Established in 2015 as an 'Alternative Business Structure' (ABS) we are wholly owned by public bodies. We pride ourselves on serving our communities with resilience, enthusiasm and focus. Working for public sector and not for profit clients is our focus. A significant proportion of the work we carry out will be for local authorities, however, we have over recent years grown our client base to include more than one hundred organisations across the public and not-for profit sectors. Our clients include Integrated Care Boards, Foundation Trusts, Charities and Fire Services.
Who are we?
We are a large team, made up of around 50 lawyers and paralegals of all types and length of qualification. We have team members who have been with us for over 25 years and newly qualified lawyers who have just joined us. We are passionate and dedicated, always ready to help each other out and discuss cases to find a solution. We love working together and developing each other's knowledge and abilities. We are committed to staff development, training and career progression opportunities. Our supportive team is our strength and we're ready to welcome you into it.
What do we do?
The Childcare team deals with all types of child protection work for its shareholder local authorities and other clients, including:
* Care Proceedings, including representation in Court
* Pre-proceedings (PLO) work
* Advice in relation to Deprivation of Liberties
* Advice in relation to contact
* Adoption proceedings
* Advice on Local Authorities' duties and responsibilities
* Advice to Local Authorities in relation to private law proceedings
* Advice in relation to children becoming looked after, ceasing to become looked after and any issues arising
The Childcare team also advise clients on process and improvements that can be made and provide duty advice to the client on a rota basis. Members of the team sit on Local Family Justice Boards, advise Safeguarding Children Local Partnerships, Adoption and Fostering Panels and Agency Decision Makers. We also provide training for clients and for the team.
The work is exciting, varied and interesting. Recently, the team has been involved in a number of reported cases and has represented the Local Authority on cases which have been considered by the Court of Appeal. No two days are ever the same
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with initiative, a proactive approach to problem solving and a real commitment to the job. We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Principal Paralegal to join our Huntingdon Childcare team. This is a case holding role, focusing on public and private law Children work on behalf of the Local Authority.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with paralegal experience to take the next steps in their career. The ideal candidate will have good attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.
For a copy of the Full Job Description please visit our website.
In return for this we can offer you an excellent benefits package alongside a flexible, modern working environment equipped with the technology needed to enable you to balance the pressures of a busy role.
Pathfinder Legal Benefits
· Local Government Pensions Scheme – considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates.
· Flexible working arrangements – we offer flexible hours and hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio.
· Family Friendly policies including excellent Maternity, Paternity and Adoption entitlements.
· An exceptional Employee Assistance Program which helps supports employees with workplace changes as well as other work, family and personal issues.
· Cycle To Work scheme.
· A generous minimum annual leave entitlement of 25 days, rising on 5 and 10 years service, plus public holidays. With the option to purchase more annual leave.
To apply for this position please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the Person Specification which can be found on our website. When applying, please quote reference 'CHI-107.
Closing date for applications: Monday 13th October @ midday
Number of vacancies for the role: 1
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,090.00-£42,050.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Flexitime
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Huntingdon PE29