Location
Worcester, Worcestershire | United Kingdom
Job description
Legal Clerk (Child Care)
Responsibilities duties and tasks:
Undertake specific tasks under appropriate supervision in collaboration with the solicitor handling the case as follows:
(a) Draft and file court documents and initiate legal proceedings.
(b) Provide guidance on and draft witness statements court documents and reports while proofreading them as necessary.
(c) Participate in the development implementation and maintenance of Practice Management office procedures case management systems (such as Iken currently) standards and policies as required.
(d) Record all relevant casespecific documentation and time spent on the Iken case management system promptly in accordance with the division s timerecording system during operation.
(e) Review and suggest amendments to chronologies and statements prepared by the Childrens Services Department (CSD).
(f) Coordinate with expert/professional and lay witnesses court staff counsel and other parties to ensure smooth case and hearing progress.
(g) Collaborate with CSD to obtain instructions and provide advice on appropriate matters.
(h) Address various correspondence and queries.
(i) Prepare Instructions to Counsel.
(j) Attend court sessions with Counsel as required.
(k) Report to the CSD/WCF case holder after court hearings.
(l) Supervise and support legal clerks in preparing court bundles and managing any court bundling system.
(m) Monitor advise and assist in drafting s7 37 and Special Guardianship Reports (SGO).
(n) Prepare or assist with monthly statistical reports.
- Undertake necessary legal research in child protection or related fields and produce reports on the findings.
- Attend court hearings tribunals case conferences and meetings with experts and professionals to assist the solicitor case holder as needed.
- Carry a caseload and represent the Council in simple and noncontentious matters such as agreeing to discharge care orders disclosing documentation in care or private proceedings and renewing interim orders.
- Supervise team members assisting the postholder and maintain office standards procedures and systems.
- Bring any relevant matters to the attention of the Head of ACE and Principal Solicitor as well as the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance or the Councils Monitoring Officer.
Requirements
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The postholder must possess:
- The ability to prioritise workload work independently and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
- The ability to multitask and work under pressure.
- The ability to handle sensitive issues with tact diplomacy and confidentiality.
- Sound judgement.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- The ability to conduct quick and efficient research.
- Numeracy skills.
- Good analytical skills.
- Initiative and resourcefulness.
- The ability to quickly acquire new skills and knowledge.
- The ability to adapt to change.
It is preferable that the postholder additionally has:
- Enthusiasm and potential for a successful career within local government.
- The ability to ask questions verify information and challenge when appropriate.
Benefits
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The postholder must possess: The ability to prioritise workload, work independently, and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision. The ability to multitask and work under pressure. The ability to handle sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality. Sound judgement. Attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to work collaboratively within a team. The ability to conduct quick and efficient research. Numeracy skills. Good analytical skills. Initiative and resourcefulness. The ability to quickly acquire new skills and knowledge. The ability to adapt to change. It is preferable that the postholder additionally has: Enthusiasm and potential for a successful career within local government. The ability to ask questions, verify information, and challenge when appropriate.
Job tags
Salary
