Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council has a new exciting full-time, permanent opportunity for an Adult’s Social Care Lawyer.

The successful candidate will provide legal advice on the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act, including associated regulations and guidance. Conduct thorough legal research to support casework and policy development, advise and conduct litigation in relation to adult social care matters, including handling applications relating to Community DOLs, section 21 applications, S21A challenges, S16 welfare proceedings and care proceedings, displacement of nearest relative applications and judicial reviews.

Working alongside the Court of Protection team, the appointed candidate will make applications for finance and property deputy-ship and authority to sign or surrender tenancies. Advise on displacement cases, safeguarding and financial matters along with reviewing draft policies.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

To be shortlisted for this position, you must be a fully-qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council.

It is essential for you to have some previous experience within the Adult Social Care sector, preferably with some knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act or Care Act. Have knowledge of social care law and experience of its application in the Local Government context. This may include the drafting and interpretation of contracts, court documents, advising on legislation, case law and generalist/specialist local government protocols.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.