About the role
As a Senior Child Protection Lawyer, you’ll be responsiblefor advising on all aspects of child care matters,representing the Council in courts and tribunals, and ensuring legal complianceacross a range of services. You’ll work closely with key stakeholders,including Members of the Council, social care teams, and education services,playing a crucial role in shaping policies and ensuring the best outcomes forvulnerable individuals.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to supervise andsupport Paralegals, deliver training on legislative developments, andcontribute to key Council meetings and working groups. This is an exciting rolefor someone who is passionate about public sector law and eager to drivepositive change in the community.
Essential Criteria – What We’re Looking For:
* Toexcel in this role, you should have:
* Aqualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive withexpertise in education, child protection, and/or adult social care law.
* Experiencein handling legal cases, advising on complex legal matters, andrepresenting clients in courts or tribunals
* Strongadvocacy skills with the ability to appear in legal proceedings on behalfof the Council
* Excellentanalytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach tolegal challenges.
* Theability to provide supervision and professional support to Paralegals andjunior team members.
* Strongcommunication and interpersonal skills, with experience in providingtraining and legal briefings to officers and teams.
* Acommitment to continuous professional development, staying up to date withlegislative changes and best practices.
* Theability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders,ensuring effective legal support across the organisation.
This is a rewarding opportunity for a legal professional whois looking to develop their expertise in public sector law while making ameaningful contribution to the community. If you have the skills, experience,and passion for this role, we encourage you to apply today!
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
* Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
* 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
* Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
* Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
* Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
* Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
* Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
* Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
* Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:
* Enhanced DBS Check
* Qualifications Check
* 5 years of Referencing
Please note:Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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