Caseworker - Essex Legal Services in Chelmsford

Permanent, Full Time £25,081 to £27,653 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Office attendance 1-2 days per week, and 'as and when' the service requires.

The Role

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 delights the customer.

The Opportunity

As a caseworker, you will support legally qualified and other colleagues in providing routine admin and quasi-legal tasks, aligned to the delivery of legal work. Working directly to lawyers and paralegals in the Criminal and Enforcement Section of the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team, you will be commissioned to undertake various tasks such as preparing Briefs to Counsel, bundles, and liaising with internal and external clients. You will contribute to delivering a more efficient, professional service that is valued by our customers and improves their business.

Educated to Level 3 or equivalent, with significant work experience in a legal environment. With an ability to build good working relationships both with colleagues and clients, you will deliver excellent customer service.

Accountabilities

• Supports legally qualified colleagues in the delivery of all aspects of routine legal work across the Council and to external customers.
• Good understanding of client needs and provides them with a service they value, which supports them in driving the delivery of productivity and efficiency improvements.
• Supports colleagues in the development of current and future business opportunities, to promote the Essex Legal Services’ 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, schools, other local authorities and the private sector, to ensure a quality service is provided to the customer.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to Level 3 (A level) or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and developing knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of working within a legal setting in a public service or private sector environment, assisting in the provision of legal work.
• Experience of working in criminal law helpful but not essential.
• Proven track record of excellent customer service skills.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues and the client base, to understand customer needs with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes which meet these needs.
• Ability to develop professional credibility with a client base at differing levels.
• Ability to develop working relationships across a large, complex organisation and with internal and external partners/stakeholders and clients.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.