About this job
The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council (LBBD) is a dynamic London local authority with a dedicated Law & Governance service employing around 50 legal professionals. Our Council has been recognised for its achievements – including Investors in People Gold accreditation – and emphasises support, flexibility and development for staff. We pride ourselves on a collaborative, progressive environment and offer roles with great benefits and flexible working options. This role involves leading the legal work on adult social care debt recovery under the Care Act framework. You will handle debts arising from care and support charges (e.g. unpaid residential or domiciliary care fees), including recoveries from estates and cases of financial abuse or intentional deprivation of assets. The position focuses on casework under the Care Act (2014) and associated guidance – from initial assessment and notices through to litigation. You will work closely with the Principal Lawyer (Housing, Civil & Prosecutions Advocate) and advise senior council officers on recovery strategy and legal implications.
Special requirements for this post
Qualified Solicitor or barrister or equivalent e.g. FILEX or Other post Graduate qualification in any relevant legal area or discipline. Experience of working unsupervised, preferably in a legal services environment and to be able to plan and manage workloads in a methodical manner whilst maintaining accuracy, attention to detail and achieving deadlines.
About you
We are looking for a solicitor (or barrister/legal executive) with substantial post-qualification experience in adult social care debt recovery or related practice. This role is open to external candidates who can demonstrate strong legal skills in advocacy, drafting and case management. You should be confident in working independently on complex files, and in advising colleagues on legal strategy and compliance. Experience of the Care Act or similar adult social care legislation is highly desirable, as is familiarity with council processes. You should have a commitment to public service and be able to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal colleagues. Experience of using the Iken time recording system would be an advantage.
About us
As an LBBD employee you’ll have access to high street savings, supermarkets, cashback incentives travel and holiday discounts; discounts at restaurants and cinemas; local, national, and seasonal offers; and a wide range of better-than-public deals through our Wider Wallet scheme. You’ll also have access to an Employee Assistance Programme; this offers a little extra support to manage life’s everyday challenges; both work and personal. The EAP is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides free, impartial, confidential information and support to help you gain a better work-life balance. Flexible working The role is open to flexible working unless there is a practical or operational reason that you must work set hours and times, you would need to discuss this with your manager before anything is agreed. Other key benefits include: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) As a member of the LGPS you will get a pension paid to you when you retire as well as being entitled to other benefits such as life insurance cover, a pension for your family if you die whilst employed by the council, payments if you have to retire due to ill-health. Diversity and Inclusivity To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services we deliver. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds including from the LGBTQ+ community, genders, ages, disabilities, faiths/beliefs and candidates from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds.