Court of Protection - Paralegal in Cardiff

Welsh language skills are essential for this role. Applicants must have Welsh speaking and listening skills at Level 3 (Intermediate/B1 CEFR), meaning they should be able to communicate confidently and respond to enquiries in Welsh. Part of the interview will be conducted in Welsh to assess these skills.

Legal & Risk Services is a division of NWSSP that provides a comprehensive legal advisory service to the NHS. We have an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our Complex Patient Team with a particular focus on Court of Protection work. You will be assisting our growing team of solicitors and fellow paralegals who advise and represent the whole of the NHS in Wales.

The types of cases we typically advise on include:

• Consent and capacity for adults and children
• Use of restraint
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (soon to transition to the Liberty Protection Safeguards)
• Mental Health
• End of life decision making
• Inquests that have issues of Mental Health or Mental Capacity

The Team are experts in their field who are regularly instructed in novel and high-profile cases. We work closely with our clients’ Mental Health, Learning Disability, Paediatric, Nursing, and Intensive Care teams.

The ideal candidate must have good communication skills, a confident approach to work, and demonstrate our core values, alongside empathy and sensitivity when dealing with the personal nature of the cases we deal with.

Main duties of the job

You will assist in the day-to-day management of cases under close supervision of a Senior Lawyer. You will have opportunities to contribute to the team and wider Legal & Risk family. You will be responsible for opening new enquiries, liaising with clients and witnesses, attending hearings at court and helping witnesses navigate the court process. This will include reviewing medical records/reports, drafting letters to obtain evidence and assisting in the preparation of client advice, witness statements, court bundles, and instructions to counsel. The post holder will need to establish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of health care professionals, colleagues within Legal & Risk Services, Court officers, witnesses and experts. Some experience in Court of Protection is desirable but what is important is a genuine interest in this area of work.

Working for our organisation

At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating. Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people. Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers. Offering a comprehensive benefits package, there is something for everyone.

To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process please visit NWSSP website.

NWSSP work in an agile way where possible, all posts will have a contractual base but as part of agile ways of working that may mean working from home and other locations. We also look at how we balance flexibility with community, and how to manage opportunities to learn from each other.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

Person specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Law Degree (or equivalent) or equivalent CILEX qualifications.

Experience

Experience of working in an office environment.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to communicate in all formats.
• Ability to prioritise and organise own work.
• Ability to recognise own capabilities.
• Ability to liaise and communicate with both internal and external personnel at all levels confidently.
• Evidence of excellent client care skills.

Other Welsh language skills are essential for this role. Applicants must have Welsh speaking and listening skills at Level 3 (Intermediate/B1 CEFR). This means being able to communicate confidently in responding to enquiries in Welsh.

We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities. If you are shortlisted for interview you will be contacted by email using the email address with which you registered. Please ensure that you check your email account regularly.

Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.

When applying for this post it is essential that you read the Job Description and Person Specification (where available) and demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.