Logo of Huzzle
  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior, Mid & Senior Level
  • Legal
  • Chichester

AI generated summary

  • You need childcare law experience, strong drafting and research skills, legal advice competency, IT proficiency, and a proactive, professional attitude. Solicitor or equivalent chartered status required.
  • You will provide legal advice to Children’s Services, supporting their statutory responsibilities for child safety and welfare in sensitive cases, while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

  • The ideal candidates will have experience in childcare law with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Consideration will be given to applicants from private practice with relevant experience.
  • As a service, we are looking for committed individuals with high levels of professionalism, integrity, and a genuine desire to contribute to the growth of the team. You will be a tenacious, compassionate and self-driven individual who is prepared to embrace our values and be part of the West Sussex culture #BeTheDifference.
  • Key Skills:
  • Effective drafting and report writing skills.
  • Ability to give competent legal advice in a timely manner to clients.
  • Fully competent research skills.
  • Ability to build strong working relations with clients, colleagues and external Stakeholders.
  • Sound organisational skills.
  • Competent presentational skills or advocacy experience in childcare law.
  • Ability to analyse and advise on legislative and regulatory text and other legal materials and to present arguments in written or oral form.
  • Being a pro-active member of the team and having a “can do” attitude within the range of work for the post.
  • Having the flexibility to work within a fast-paced legal environment.
  • Ability to use initiative and be innovative in a complex area of law as well as working under the supervision of a Senior lawyer as appropriate.
  • Sound IT skills in order to use the case management system and digital court process.
  • Qualifications and/or experience:
  • Qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive with appropriate demonstrable experience within child protection legal work.
  • Relevant chartered status of a professional body or equivalent high-level experience of involved practices e.g. CILEX.

Responsibilities

  • As a childcare lawyer you will be working with Children’s Services, supporting them with sensitive cases.
  • Your legal advice and support will impact on the future wellbeing and circumstances of individual children and families in West Sussex.
  • Your role will involve supporting Children’s Services with discharging their statutory responsibilities of ensuring the safety and welfare needs of children and young persons across West Sussex are paramount.
  • You will be part of our 40 strong Childcare legal team.
  • You will work in an accommodating and dynamic environment supported by a senior management team including 1 Principal Lawyer and 4 Senior Lawyers.
  • We aim to support our team members to achieve their full potential as we strive for a healthy work-life balance and ensure you are rewarded for the work you do.
  • This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and or experienced childcare solicitor to come on board and benefit from the team’s wide-ranging expertise.

FAQs

What is the salary range for the Childcare Lawyer position?

The salary range for the Childcare Lawyer position is £38,626 to £57,005 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience.

What are the working hours for this position?

The working hours for this position are full-time, 37 hours per week, with options for flexible working and condensed hours.

Where is the office location for the role?

The office base for the role is County Hall, Chichester, but it is a hybrid/remote working role.

What kind of experience is considered for applicants?

Ideal candidates will have experience in childcare law, and consideration will be given to applicants from private practice with relevant experience.

What qualities are we looking for in a candidate?

We are looking for candidates who are committed, professional, compassionate, self-driven, and ready to contribute to the team and embrace the values of West Sussex.

What are some key skills required for this role?

Key skills include effective drafting and report writing, competent legal advice delivery, strong research skills, sound organizational skills, and advocacy experience in childcare law.

What qualifications are needed to apply for this role?

Applicants must be qualified solicitors, barristers, or chartered legal executives with demonstrable experience in child protection legal work.

What kind of benefits can employees expect?

Employees can expect benefits such as a local government pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and various health and wellbeing benefits.

Is there support for professional development available?

Yes, there are training and development opportunities including coaching and mentoring for employees.

What measures are in place for equality and inclusion?

West Sussex County Council is committed to promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds to build a talented workforce.

Is there an interview guarantee scheme for certain applicants?

Yes, there is a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are veterans, or are care leavers.

What we do changes lives. We are there when people are born and in later life; supporting them every step of the way.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

West Sussex County Council is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in West Sussex. As a community leader, employer and provider of services we want to make sure that everyone in West Sussex has the opportunity to achieve their potential, no matter where they live or what their background, individual characteristics or personal circumstances might be. We work with other local authorities, as well as regional, national and international authorities, to deliver services and represent the best interests of the people of the county.