Children’s Social Care Solicitor - Legal Services in Gateshead

4 SepFurther InformationChild Care Solicitor - Minimum 40% of time spent in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead. Protecting children. Upholding the law. Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Protecting children. Upholding the law. You'll be joining our supportive and fast-paced Litigation Team — a group of 17 legal professionals who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality advice, case preparation and in-house advocacy across a wide range of matters. Championing safeguarding through expert legal practice. In this role, you'll provide clear, timely and solution-focused legal advice, support and advocacy in all areas of child-care law, including public law proceedings, PLO work and deprivation of liberty matters. You'll manage your own caseload with the support of an experienced management team, prepare high-quality legal documents, and represent the Local Authority in court. Provide legal advice, support and advocacy in all aspects of public law, including the PLO process, case management of public law proceedings, and representation of the local authority in public law court hearings. Keep up to date with relevant legislation, particularly in relation to public law proceedings, adoption and deprivation of liberty. Represent Legal Services at external meetings with partner agencies, PLO meetings and in public law court hearings. Take responsibility for preparing and effectively managing child-care cases, including public law proceedings and deprivation of liberty matters. Maintain close contact with the Legal Manager on all key issues. Strong understanding of all aspects of child-care law, including the Children Act, deprivation of liberty law, case law, guidance, procedures and policy. Qualified solicitor or barrister with specialist knowledge of public law children's proceedings and safeguarding legislation. Ability to provide clear, timely and solution-focused legal advice to social workers and multi-agency partners. Confident advocacy skills, including attending and conducting hearings. Strong drafting skills, including preparing court applications, threshold documents and detailed legal advice. Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days. Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time. Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options. Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career. Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing. Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme. Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service). At Gateshead Council we're an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. You can apply online by pressing the apply now button. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.