Paralegal - Adult Health and Social Care Legal Team

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options.

The Opportunity

Essex Legal Services provide high quality, professional, legal advice across the council and to increasing numbers of external clients. Providing a client facing legal service which proactively embraces change and anticipates the expectations of the client.

This paralegal position is in a busy adult health and social care legal team. The team covers many areas of law, including the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 and integration with the NHS.

Accountabilities

• Works closely with colleagues to assist with the delivery of all aspects of routine legal work, including drafting documents and preparing papers for court, across the Council and to external customers


• Responsible for understanding and interpreting client needs to provide them with a service they value, which supports them in driving the delivery of productivity and efficiency improvements.


• Responsible for attending Court or public inquiries in appropriate cases.


• Contributes to the development of current and future business opportunities, to promote Essex Legal Service's vision to the external market.


• Responsible for delivering personal objectives in support of the function's overall business plan.


• Develops good working relationships across the Council, and the private sector to ensure a quality service is provided to the customer.


• Delegated functions as detailed in the council's constitution (and as amended from time to time).


• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
  
  Possess a Level 5 qualification (degree) or equivalent, specifically in the field of law


• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.


• Experience of working within a legal setting in a public service or private sector environment, providing routine legal advice.


• Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service.


• Works collaboratively with colleagues and the client base, to understand customer needs with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes.


• Ability to develop working relationships across a large, complex organisation and with internal and external partners/stakeholders and clients to maintain and develop business streams.