Policy Caseworker in London

We are seeking an experienced paralegal, or trainee solicitor to fill the post of Employment Law Caseworker. As an experienced employment law practitioner or aspirational trainee solicitor (England and Wales), you will be required to provide professional legal advice on employment law matters to members.

PCS will provide fully funded accredited training with 1 day a week release, with supervision by a qualified solicitor to enable you to pass your SQE examinations within 2 years, whilst gaining the required qualifying work experience through your day-to-day role.

Salary and Location

Band 3, London Spine points 33-29 or Regional Spine points 36-32. London starting salary: £45,377 p.a. rising to £50,703 p.a. in annual increments or Regional starting salary: £42,105 p.a. rising to £46,348 p.a. in annual increments.

Successful candidates for the Employment Law Caseworker will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in employment law or relevant qualification in Law (from any common law jurisdiction).
• Good communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage legal issues.
• Their commitment to the SRA Professional standards and behaviours.

The main duties of the Employment Law Caseworker role include:

• Delivering legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
• Conducting legal research, drafting advice, claims, and other legal documents.
• Providing support to senior colleagues on more complex matters.
• Casework management.

You will be committed to professional development, through training, appraisal and the use of technology, you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential.

Employer Benefits

• Flexible working (including hybrid working)
• Childcare and family support
• Generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• Pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified. Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date. CVs will not be accepted.

PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Key areas
   • Undertake training working towards the completion of the SQE
   • Provide support in legal research into past cases and documents
   • Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
   • Provide support with legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
   • Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
   • Provide support with employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
   • Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
   • Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
   • Support the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
   • Support the delivery of the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
   • Provide support in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
   • Provide advice to relevant committees including supporting the preparation and presentation of reports
   • Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
2. Communication
   • Provide support to ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
   • Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
   • Communicate with members by supporting the production of circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
   • As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies
3. Casework Management
   • Advise in the handling of personal casework
   • Liaise with solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
   • Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
   • Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice
4. Team Working
   • Proactively promote team working
   • Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
   • Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
   • Provide assistance to team members
5. Equality
   • Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination
6. General
   • Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
   • At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
   • Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
   • Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
   • Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
   • In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

• QUALIFICATIONS: Qualifying Law degree or 2 plus years experience in an employment law role
• EXPERIENCE: Actively participating in committees and teams, industrial relations and negotiations, project management, problem solving and decision making
• TRAINING: Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development, commitment to undertake job-related training working towards the completion of the SQE, commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• KNOWLEDGE: Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions, employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices, impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union
• SKILLS: Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences; ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally; ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues; ability to identify and set standards and priorities; ability to provide timely advice and guidance
• OTHER: Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work, understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety), flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions