Salary: Band 6, £28,239 to £32,061 per annum, pro rata
Working Hours: 16.50
Location: Civic Offices
Closing Date: 26/07/2026
Job Category: Education
Region / Division: UK Region
Job Introduction
We are looking for a part time Para-Legal Officer to assist in fulfilling the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities around school attendance, children missing education, elective home education, and children in employment.
This role is part time currently working 16 hours per week.
The Role
The role of the Para Legal is to effectively assist in the discharge of the Local Authority's statutory functions relating to school attendance, children missing education, elective home education and children in employment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing court files for cases involving irregular attendance and education supervision orders.
- Drafting legal documents such as witness statements, cost schedules, and background reports.
- Maintaining and updating legal monitoring systems, including E-files, databases, and Capita.
- Liaising with Legal Services, schools, professionals, and solicitors regarding legal proceedings.
- Attending or chairing meetings related to prosecutions and represent the service in court when required.
- Handling enquiries from schools, agencies, and members of the public.
The ideal candidate
You will need:
- Experience in a statutory setting and enforcement proceedings.
- Strong knowledge of education law and legal processes.
- Excellent literacy, numeracy, and attention to detail for drafting legal documents.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases.
- Ability to manage a fast-paced workload, work independently, and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills for liaising with multiple stakeholders.
- Team player with experience in busy office environments.
Working Arrangements
This role is office based.
Right to Work
You must demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
Para Legal Officer in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
