Job title: Principal Legal Officer (PO6) (Social Care Legal)
Salary: PO6 £51,356 - £54,495
Hours: Full Time - 37 hours
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds City Centre
This is a rolling advert, however applications will be shortlisted at the end of each month.
Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city. We serve an outstanding Children’s & Families Department, and seek a full‑time Principal Legal Officer (PO6) to practise primarily in the area of Children’s Social Care Law.
About You
* Good interpersonal skills
* Ability to prioritise your own workload
* Manage a complex caseload
* Act as an advocate in contested hearings and work to tight court deadlines
* Be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed
About The Role
You will undertake a substantial complex personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Children’s Social Care. As our next Principal Legal officer (PO6), you’ll actively support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambition. The role is integral to our Social Care Legal team. You will be supported by an experienced team of Legal Officers and Legal Assistants with supervision and management by a Team Leader. The section comprises a mix of PLO posts, with allocation of work accordingly.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How To Apply
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Right to Work
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose
The section covers the following areas of work: Children’s Social Care Law. The postholder will provide a high‑quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambitions.
Responsibilities
* Undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex legal professional work, primarily children’s social care legal work.
* Provide support in at least one other area of law covered by the section, and any other local government legal matters as required.
* Represent council colleagues and other clients in proceedings in tribunals, the County Court and Higher Courts (subject to rights of audience), including in relation to contested proceedings.
* Conduct investigatory and preparatory work to ensure effective presentation of cases to Court and advise on the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies.
* Draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation such as instructions to counsel as necessary; draft legal documentation, agreements and advice.
* Foster a “can do” attitude in all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members; contributing to change; and increasing external income generation.
* Establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal colleagues, external stakeholders and parties including Members, directors and senior officers to improve and enhance service delivery.
* Maintain awareness of legislative and case law developments that may impact on the work of colleagues and clients and advise them as appropriate.
* Provide legal advice and support to committees and advise clients both orally and in writing, in relation to complex matters.
* Work flexibly as part of a team to cover court and tribunal commitments and other work as required.
* Meet all professional requirements, e.g., SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) competency framework and SRA Standards and Regulations.
* Support other staff within the section and service as required, including providing training to colleagues and clients.
* Perform all functions and duties in accordance with council policies, codes of practice, constitution, Legal Services standards and Lexcel procedures.
* Attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside Leeds City Council boundaries and outside normal working hours as required.
* Carry out other duties within Legal Services and the Council as commensurate with the grade.
* Participate in appraisal, training and development to ensure up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
* Collaborate with colleagues, seeking help and advice when necessary.
* Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days and events as requested.
* Ensure compliance with Leeds City Council policies and procedures (child protection, health, safety, confidentiality, data protection, etc.) and report any concerns to appropriate person.
* Promote equality and an anti‑discriminatory environment, challenging incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation.
* Work within the Council’s flexibility protocol.
* The duties outlined are not exhaustive and may include any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome.
Qualifications
* Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEX.
* Legal Executive Advocate Certificate (Family).
Personal Specification
Essential Requirements
* Meeting all essential requirements as specified for the role is mandatory for short‑listing.
Skills Required
* Work flexibly across different work locations and areas.
* Plan and organise own workload with minimum supervision, meeting strict deadlines.
* Advocate on behalf of the council, dealing with complex contested hearings.
* Communicate effectively and establish productive relationships at all levels inside and outside the council.
* Recognise opportunities to develop external legal work for the service and grasp new information quickly.
* Resolve a wide range of complex legal problems in a local government context.
* Draft and prepare clear and concise documents, procedures, guidance notes, reports, statements, letters and memoranda.
* Anticipate organisational changes and identify strategies to overcome difficulties.
* Carry out effective legal research.
Knowledge Required
* Law and practice relating to children’s social care.
* Law and practice relating to local government.
* Awareness of the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
Experience Required
* Managing and dealing with a substantial complex personal caseload.
* Advocacy, including experience in dealing with complex cases.
* Providing advice to clients on complex matters.
* Working as an effective member of a team.
Behavioural & Other Characteristics Required
* Committed to continuous improvement.
* Understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Carry out all duties with regard to employee health & safety policies.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
* Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
Closing date for applications: 6 months from advert
Interviews shall take place periodically in the month following each round of short‑listing.
#J-18808-Ljbffr