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Form of workA fantastic opportunity has arisen in the Council’s Legal Service who are looking for Lawyers (BG13) to join the Child Protection Team. We are a busy, friendly and supportive legal team who work closely with our client Children’s Services department to ensure positive outcomes for children and support our Corporate Strategy priorities, ensuring Bristol is a city where every child belongs and receives the best start in life, regardless of their circumstances.
The role will involve providing legal advice, support and advocacy to the Council and under the direction of the Team Leader, you will undertake all types of Child Protection legal work, providing legal advice & support to Bristol City Council Children’s Services Department to enable the City Council to meet its legal duties.
This is an opportunity to protect and safeguard the most vulnerable members of the city, whilst contributing to evolving policies and decision making about this complex and interesting area of law. The team deals with a wide range of Child Protection legal work including acting on behalf of the Council in connection with pre proceedings cases and applications to the court for Care/Supervision orders, Deprivation of Liberty and Secure Accommodation orders, Female Genital Mutilation Protection orders, Forced Marriage Protection orders, Placement and Adoption orders.
Working for a diverse and innovative Council, you’ll need to be quick-thinking, versatile and comfortable working with a wide range of people. It’s an exciting, intellectually challenging environment that will test your skills and knowledge to the full.
You can expect a varied and challenging caseload and you will need subject area experience, strong advocacy, negotiating and advisory skills together with a good appreciation of risk management and positive approach to problem solving. Above all, you will carry out all duties in a professional and accurate manner with a client focused approach. We work hard to ensure that our people are well supported, given opportunities to develop and able to manage the demands of the job.
Why Bristol City Council?
At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. Hybrid working arrangements are available, mixing both home and office working, but time spent at the office with colleagues is encouraged.
You will be expected to attend City Hall in person at least once a month to attend the whole team meeting and to appear at all levels of the Family Court at Bristol on a regular basis.
Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including:
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- Access to the flexitime scheme
- Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Continuing professional development opportunities
- A range of staff benefits to help boost your wellbeing and help your money go further
- A supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.
How do I apply?
If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.
To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.
If you would like to discuss the role further before applying, please contact the Team Manager, Caroline Harris (caroline.harris@bristol.gov.uk)
At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
For further information about the role or to apply, please click opn the 'Enquire/Apply' button below and select the correct role - reference VAC005592.
