Lawyer - Social Care in Newport

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Department: Social Care Legal Team

Salary Grade: 12, £47,108 to £49,501 per annum + Market supplement £3000 FTE

Location: County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight and agile working

Hours per week: 37

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Child Care Lawyer to join our dynamic Legal Services team at the Isle of Wight Council! As a Child Care Lawyer, you will play a crucial role in representing the Council in child care proceedings and other legal matters. You will provide expert advice and representation, ensuring the best outcomes for children and families. You will manage a full caseload (8 to 10 cases) focused almost exclusively on care proceedings as there will be no SEN, Care Home or DOLS work.

Why join us?

At the Isle of Wight Council, we value our employees and offer a supportive and collaborative work environment. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to meaningful work that impacts the community. We understand the importance of a good work‑life balance and are therefore happy to discuss flexible and agile working arrangements that suit you.

What we are looking for:

• Knowledge of relevant policies, regulations and legislation
• Excellent interpersonal, persuasion and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to manage conflicting demands and work under pressure
• Relevant professional qualifications (CFILEX, barrister, or solicitor)

Benefits:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers. We actively promote the diversity of our workforce and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community. We are a Disability Confident employer. If you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council. The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination and supports inclusive policies.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via adverts@iow.gov.uk if you would like to receive a copy. The Isle of Wight Council reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly. This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email callcentre@iow.gov.uk. Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted. We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable. Please read the Application Guidance Notes before applying. If you are unable to complete this application, email us at careers@iow.gov.uk or telephone us on 01983 823113.