Adult Social Care Lawyer

Reading Borough Council is a Unitary Authority that hosts the Joint Legal Team, a long-standing shared legal service for all the Berkshire councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adults, and education law. As well as leading a highly regarded internal Corporate Legal Team, serving the needs of the Council across a wide range of functions. 

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. 

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. 

About the role 

The Joint Legal Team are looking for an Adult Social Care Lawyer to join its Adult Social Care and Education Team. We are seeking a solicitor, barrister, or FILEX. You will require an excellent working knowledge in key Adult Social Care legislation, including age assessment cases and judicial review.  

You’ll be part of a dynamic team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do. 

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential. 

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way. 

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed. 

About you 

To be eligible for this position you should: 

• Possess a valid practising certificate and authorisation to practice in England as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. 
• Be able to hold a caseload of Adult Social Care cases, including but not limited to Care Act 2014, ordinary residence, deprivation of liberty, age assessments and judicial review cases.  
•  Support colleagues in inquest work  
•  Supervise and support junior colleagues where needed  
•  Be able work as part of a team. 
•  Be able to work to tight deadlines and work well whilst under pressure. 
•  Ideally able conduct your own advocacy or have a willingness to acquire the skills to  undertake some advocacy.  
•  Be able provide advice to a wide range of stakeholders 

Our offer 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave. 
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities  
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading 
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)  
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) 
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted. 
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work. 
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax. 

For more information on this position please contact Lindsey Marks, Team Leader for Social Care and Education.

 
Closing Date: 10th March 2024  

Interview Date: To be confirmed 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.