Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• North Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Adult Social Care Lawyer to join the Customer & Governance directorate on an interim basis to cover a vacant post.
• The postholder will provide high-quality legal advice, representation and support to the Council in relation to adult social care matters, ensuring compliance with statutory duties, safeguarding responsibilities and best practice.
• The role will involve close collaboration with social care professionals, senior managers and external partners.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Provide legal advice and support on adult social care law, including safeguarding and statutory duties.
• Conduct and manage a caseload of Court of Protection matters, including welfare and property and affairs cases.
• Advise on matters under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated legislation.
• Represent the Council in court and tribunal proceedings where required.
• Draft, review and advise on legal documents, reports, pleadings and correspondence.
• Support social care teams with complex legal issues, risk management and decision-making.
• Provide timely, practical and legally robust advice to officers and elected members.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments, external solicitors, barristers and partner agencies.
• Ensure work is delivered in line with professional standards, service priorities and statutory timescales.
Skills/Experience:
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with relevant post-qualification experience.
• Substantial experience working as an Adult Social Care Lawyer within a local authority or public sector setting.
• Strong working knowledge of: Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Court of Protection procedures, Adult safeguarding law and practice.
• Experience managing complex and sensitive caseloads.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to non-legal professionals.
• Strong advocacy, drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines.
• Experience working in an interim or agency capacity is desirable.
Additional Information:
• Hours: 30–37 hours per week.
• Location: Municipal Offices, North Northamptonshire.
Requirements
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with relevant post-qualification experience. • Substantial experience working as an Adult Social Care Lawyer within a local authority or public sector setting. • Strong working knowledge of: Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Court of Protection procedures, Adult safeguarding law and practice. • Experience managing complex and sensitive caseloads. • Ability to provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to non-legal professionals. • Strong advocacy, drafting and negotiation skills. • Excellent communication and organisational skills. • Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines. • Experience working in an interim or agency capacity is desirable.