Join Us! We are seeking a Lawyer to join our Safeguarding Legal Team
We have a vacancy for 1 FTE Lawyer to join our Safeguarding Legal Team.
Our vacancy would be suitable for qualified lawyers with relevant experience in all aspects of Adult Social Care matters but also of benefit would be any experience of Special Educational Needs legal matters. Applications from those with local government or private sector experience are welcomed.
Our Team Structure
Our Legal Service is made up of 4 teams: (1) Legal Practice; (2) Commercial; (3) Safeguarding; and (4) Regulatory. The Legal Practice Team provides an administrative and supportive ‘hub’ for the legal teams.
If you joined us you would work on a range of legal matters including both adult social care and special educational needs cases. The team covers a range of areas and an interest and ability to pick up other areas of work would be an advantage.
The Safeguarding Team has a focus on delivering specialist advice and court representation in areas including: -
* Adults Safeguarding and Court of Protection
* Children’s Safeguarding and Adoption
* General education queries
* Special Educational Needs Tribunal work
Our Team Ethos
We are committed to providing excellent public service and making a difference within our local community and region.
We provide a supportive environment for the development and maintenance of your professional skills and career at all stages. We have a number of trainee and solicitor apprentices successfully working towards qualification and can also offer apprenticeship opportunities at higher level for qualified staff. You will have access to a webinar training resource covering a range of legal areas. You will also have access to the Newcastle Law Society and Lawyers in Local Government membership together with the networking and training opportunities they provide.
Hybrid working and flexible working options are available. It’s usually what you do, not where and when you do it that matters! We offer a modern, open plan working environment with opportunities to use technology to work in a flexible and agile way. Our extensive law library is fully available to you online.
We have a strong culture of teamwork and there are always opportunities to widen your knowledge and experience by getting involved in projects.
Applications based upon flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be given full consideration.
The successful candidate
If you were to join us your duties will include the following: -
* Under the direction of the Legal Team Manager and/or Principal Lawyer to assist in the supervision of junior lawyers, trainees, apprentices, legal assistants and such other staff as may be appropriate
* Act as a professional within the Legal Team ensuring the delivery of effective and efficient Legal Services to the Council
* Lead on cases or projects
* Collaborate with colleagues to provide strategic legal advice on complex matters
* Provide professional legal advice and guidance as required to the Council, its Committees, the Elected Mayor and Cabinet and Officers, relevant to the functions and duties of the Council, including via the effective supervision of or support to colleagues within the Legal Services team resource and/or instructing external advisors where required.
* Preparation of reports for consideration by Members and officers, and attending and advising at meetings as required.
* Observe and maintain good working practices to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency within the team and the wider service
* Responsible for confidential information held within the team
* Undertake such other duties as may from time to time be allocated commensurate with the seniority and qualifications of the post.
A comprehensive induction programme will be given to new colleagues including any additional support for those wishing to make a move from the private to public sector.
Interviews will take place on a rolling basis until candidates are appointed.
Contact:
For an informal conversation regarding the vacancy, please contact: -
Zoe Atkinson - Legal Team Manager for Safeguarding and Education
zoe.atkinson@northtyneside.gov.uk
Or,
Louise Watson - Senior Manager Legal & Registration Services
louise.watson@northtyneside.gov.uk
Why North Tyneside Council?
Our People First strategy is our promise to make North Tyneside Council an exceptional place to work, where everyone can thrive and flourish. A place where people want to work, where joining our team is an exciting prospect, staying with us feels like a great decision, and building your career at North Tyneside Council is a natural progression.
As part of our People First strategy, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our success and the well-being of our employees and residents. Our goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
Together, we're crafting a workplace that's built on our values and a shared commitment to making a difference.
If you are passionate and committed about making a difference and want to work somewhere where you can make positive change, we will provide the right environment for you to excel.
Alongside our People First strategy, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to familiarise themselves with all relevant policies, procedures and guidance. Within North Tyneside, safeguarding is everybody’s business.
Require a reasonable adjustment? If you feel a reasonable adjustment will provide additional support in both the recruitment process and within the workplace, please indicate this to the hiring manager on your application. Declaring a reasonable adjustment will not subject you to any form of discrimination when determining which applicants are successful for interview and employment with us.
Our Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan
In 2019, North Tyneside Council declared a climate emergency. This declaration set a target to reduce the carbon footprint of the council’s operations, and the borough, by 50% by 2023 and to align to the Government’s net zero target of 2050.
We recognise the significant role we can play in the borough in helping to limit climate change, but we can’t do this alone; we need help from all our residents, businesses, voluntary and community sectors and of course all those who apply and work for us. Together we can make North Tyneside a sustainable place to live and work for everyone in the borough.
To learn more about Our Carbon Net-Zero 2030 Action Plan, click here.
Applying
To view more information about the role and view the Job Description please click "Apply" you will be taken to the North Tyneside Careers Portal.
Learn More
For further information about North Tyneside Council, the benefits of working for us, candidate support, and the many attractions of working and living in North Tyneside please see the council’s “work for us" page here Work for us | North Tyneside Council
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