Spirehouse are currently supporting a well-regarded local authority seeking to appoint a remote Senior Childcare Lawyer on a locum basis to strengthen its Children’s Services legal team.
The Opportunity
This is a senior role offering a high-impact mix of complex public law children work, advisory responsibilities and advocacy within a busy and respected local government legal service.
Type: Full time
Duration: 6 months initially, likely extension
Hourly rate: £58 p/hr – £60 p/hr (inside IR35)
Location: Central England
Working pattern: Remote
Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Provide clear, robust legal advice to Children’s Services, senior officers and other stakeholders on a wide range of childcare and public law matters
- Manage a complex caseload from pre-proceedings and Legal Planning Meetings through to final hearings
- Advise on and conduct care proceedings, including applications for interim and final care orders, supervision orders and other public law orders
- Draft high-quality legal documents including applications, threshold documents, statements, case summaries, care plans and instructions to experts
- Handle complex cases involving issues such as non-accidental injury, contested evidence, placement applications, Special Guardianship Orders and other sensitive childcare matters
- Work closely with social workers, senior managers, CAFCASS, Counsel and other professionals to progress cases effectively
- Provide legal advice on statutory duties, human rights and wider issues arising within Children’s Services
Requirements
- Strong post-qualification experience in childcare and public law children work – Essential
- Experience managing a complex caseload from pre-proceedings – Essential
- Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002 and associated statutory frameworks – Essential
- Experience advising local authority Children’s Services – Essential
- The ability to manage a demanding caseload independently and provide clear, practical legal advice to social care professionals and senior stakeholders – Essential
How to Apply
Please apply for this role online or contact Andrew Wilkinson at Spirehouse for a confidential discussion.
Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all individuals.
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