Temporary contract pending service review in 2027/28
Position: Team Leader (Social Care Legal - Children)
Grade: Dir45%: £58,605 to £64,262
INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.
Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.
We serve an outstanding Children’s & Families Department, and seek a full time Team Leader to practise primarily in the area of Children’s Social Care Law.
As Team Leader you will be directly responsible for leading a team of legal officers, as well as providing strategic oversight and support as part of the senior management team. You will have a “can do” approach to developing the legal service and contributing towards the council’s vision.
The successful candidate will be a Solicitor (holding a current practising certificate issued by the Law Society), or Barrister qualified to practice or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent legal qualification, to be demonstrated by the applicant) with considerable knowledge and experience of Children’s Social Care Law.
It is essential that the successful candidate has good interpersonal skills, is able to prioritise their own workload, manage a complex caseload, act as an advocate in contested hearings and work to tight court deadlines. They must be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed.
The posts attract local authority benefits including: access to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme; generous annual leave entitlement; training and development; flexible working.
Contact Rebecca Roberts (Section Head) on tel: 0113 3789134 or via email at rebecca.roberts@leeds.gov.uk for an informal discussion about this post. Alternatively you can also contact Safeena Koshar (Team Leader) on tel:0113 3789101 or via email at safeena.koshar@leeds.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is 11.59pm 20 April 2025.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose
To assist the Heads of Service and Section Heads to lead, manage and develop Legal Services in the provision of high quality effective and consistent legal advice
To contribute to strategic leadership and provide management specifically in relation to the appointed Team but also flexibly across the Section and Service in a way that adds value and supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.
In addition, the post holder would be expected to carry a substantial and complex and/or sensitive caseload which includes complex contested hearings, attendance at committee/board meetings and members briefings.
To develop and contribute directly to the generation of external income and work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
To add value by living the Values, knowing how the Council works, making a personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, helping the Council to achieve its goals generally, and playing our part in the legal life of Leeds
Key Requirements
Solicitor (holding a current practising certificate issued by the Law Society), or Barrister qualified to practice or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent legal qualification, to be demonstrated by the applicant).
To lead on the operational management of Social Care Legal Team.
To undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex and/or sensitive matters, and add value to legal professional work including, but not limited to corporate local government advice, Children's Social Care Law and other practice areas as required.
Deputise for Section Head(s) as and when required.
Directly support change programmes, including service quality and driving up standards and performance, demonstrating the ability to manage competing priorities whilst ensuring contribution to the delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances.
Build strong and dynamic relationships and networks and build trust with individuals and partner agencies to deliver better outcomes for Leeds City Council.
Account for financial resources within the section and ensure value for money and working within financial regulations.
Knowledge and understanding of local government administrative and political systems and practices, and experience of working on politically sensitive issues, including developing productive working relationships with officers at senior levels in other Services and with Members, which demonstrate respect, trust and confidence.
LCC Values
Working as a Team for Leeds
Work in ways which are open, inclusive, responsive and accountable to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds
Being Open, Honest & Trusted
Ensure Services citizens and council members are provided with all relevant information to make decisions, learn from mistakes and seek to promote continuous improvement and best practice
Working with Communities
Help Services work effectively with a variety of partners to deliver services, communicate and involve stakeholders and the wider community in new developments to encourage ownership and commitment
Treating People Fairly
Recognise that everyone has an equally important part to play within the Council and value the diverse and vibrant nature of the city and all its citizens
Spending Money Wisely
Set high expectations of achievement across a range of strategic outcomes, actively seek out opportunities to improve delivery of services through efficiencies, partnership and feedback from service users
Working Context
The post holder will be based in an establishment within the city of Leeds but it is expected they will need to work at any location in the city. The Council operates a changing the workplace policy and the post holder will be expected to work from home on a regular basis.
The role profile and specification are an outline only and may vary from time to time without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility.
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