Job Description

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a permanent, full-time Children Service’s Senior Lawyer.

As a lawyer within the Council’s well-respected Legal Services team, you will be managing and advising on all aspects of care proceedings, adoption proceedings and dealing with international issues as and when necessary.

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Advising on and managing all aspects of care proceedings.
• Drafting all documents relating to applications under the Children Act 1989, including case management documents, threshold statements, orders and case summaries as necessary.
• Representing the Council at court.
• Advising and managing DOL (Deprivation of Liberty) and Secure Accommodation proceedings.
• Dealing with S7 and S37 matters.
• Lead and take responsibility for routine and complex cases, including High Court applications and Judicial Reviews as necessary.
• Manage up to three legal assistants, empowering and engaging them to continually improve and deliver successful outcomes.

The position will require the successful candidate to do advocacy at the Chelmsford Family Court once a week.

Whilst working from home options are available, you will be required to be on site at the Civic Centre for 40% of your hours.

What you'll need to succeed

To be shortlisted for this position, you must be a Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive with a current England & Wales practicing certificate.

• • Up to 3 years post-qualification experience within the children social care sector.
  • Understanding of local government and experience of working in a political environment
  • In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
  • Proven experience in the public sector, ideally local government.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage complex workloads.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and training.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.