Solicitor / Barrister (Child Protection)

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Solicitor/Barrister with knowledge and experience of the Public Law Outline (PLO) and pre proceedings Protocol and experience of family law and family court advocacy in the area of Children Act public law and Adoption and Children Act proceedings, to join our team to assist in the provision of an efficient and effective public law child protection litigation on behalf of the Council, its Directorates and Officers. The successful candidate will manage a caseload of Children Act public law cases, together with related adoption applications, and be an able court advocate, comfortable with conducting hearings of up to a day in length at the Family Court sitting primarily at Wolverhampton, Walsall and Dudley. Due to the small nature of the team, the post holder will be expected to show flexibility to cover the work and hearings of other team members as necessary. This role involves agile working from client offices, home and the courts.

Top tip when applying - As we've got a new recruitment system the application process has changed a little and we hope you'll like it! You'll first need to register and create a profile the first time you apply. Creating your profile will enable you do things such as track your application progress, view emails you've received from us and manage communication preferences, manage your interview bookings and offer information if successful. About Dudley Council It's an incredibly exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be real game-changers for the borough. In addition to the exciting schemes such as the Midland Metro we also have the ongoing and very serious challenges of ensuring vulnerable people across the borough receive the services they deserve. At Dudley Council we have a 'one council' ethos that builds an effective and dynamic organisation which grows the economy and creates jobs, creating a cleaner and greener place and supports stronger and safer communities. We are rightly proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, Dudley Council is also committed to looking forward and helping to deliver our borough vision of 'Forge a Future for all' www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves. In joining a local authority that serves 320,000 residents you will become an integral part of a council that:

• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents