Job summary
An
exciting opportunity has arisen within an inhouse legal team at a community and
mental health NHS Trust. The team
provide a comprehensive legal service, covering inquests, claims, employment,
court of protection and general queries across the host trust and also a
neighbouring acute trust. Every day is
likely to be different and at times can be unpredictable! The role is challenging although hugely
rewarding being part of the NHS family and supporting front line staff to deliver
excellent patient care. Candidate will
need significant experience undertaking employment litigation and giving
employment advice. Ideally the
successful candidate will have exposure to other areas covered by the legal
team (inquests, claims, court of protection and general healthcare queries), however
this is not essential as training will be provided, but there must be a
willingness to branch out into these additional areas . The role is based at 2 Kings Court,
Worcester, WR5 1JR and offers a hybrid approach, with 3 days working in the
office or at one of our many sites and up to 2 days working at home. This friendly team consists of 3 solicitors
as well as 4 paralegal staff supporting the work undertaken. This is an excellent opportunity to undertake
high quality work and deliver excellent customer service whilst also having
flexibility and a work/life balance.
This is full time post, but we would
consider applicants looking for part time.
Main duties of the job
The role will involve providing employment
litigation and advice as well as covering other aspects of healthcare advice or
litigation. Developing relationships
with staff at both NHS trusts, as well as externally is critical to deliver the
best quality service. There is also a
wide range of work covering the areas of inquests, claims, court of protection,
or advising on matters relating to confidentiality. Every day can potentially
be different, whether it is picking up an urgent query, or supporting other
staff to do so.
The postholder will be leading on employment
litigation and supporting front line staff and exposure to a range of different
areas will be useful, as the work can be varied and intellectually
challenging.
About us
At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust,
we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals
and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health
and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of
all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over
100 sites.
We will support you to thrive; offer flexible
working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions,
and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. We value
diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures,
and ethnicities.
What we offer;
-
27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to
33 days with long service
-
Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work
unsocial hours
-
Flexible and agile working opportunities
-
Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support
-
Wide range of supportive staff networks
-
Health and wellbeing opportunities
If you would like to know more, please visit our
website.
We encourage you to read the attached applicant guidance notes.
Sharing
your data - As a data controller we may sometimes need to process your data to
pursue our legitimate business interests, for example to request a survey from
you (optional), to support the Trusts understanding of where you gained
interest in working for the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For
full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job
description and person specification attached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For
full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job
description and person specification attached.
Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Accuracy
- Possess an excellent grasp of English and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels
- Communicate with all disciplines of staff and external stakeholders in a clear and effective manner
- Deal with people appropriately depending on the circumstances and individuals concerned
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Tact and diplomacy
- Good keyboard skills
- Organisational skills
- Good telephone manner
- Exhibits emotional intelligence and willingness to learn
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge of the principles and processes of dealing with English Courts and Tribunal Services
- Extensive previous advocacy experience in Employment Tribunals.
- Ability to analyse and advise on highly complex matters, both orally and in writing
- Previous experience of dealing with and advising on Employment Law including complex issues
- Theoretical knowledge of NHS provisions, governance, structures and social care policies
Desirable
- Experience of other forms of litigation in a healthcare setting such as employment tribunal, Coroners Court, professional regulatory or county court
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working as a Solicitor/ Barrister in the field of Employment Law
- Significant experience of advocacy in Employment Tribunals and a willingness to learn to undertake advocacy in other settings, such as a Coroners Court
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in Healthcare Law
- Previous experience in a similar Health or Social Care environment
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Recognised team player, flexible and adaptable
- Able to meet the travel requirements of the role
Qualifications
Essential
- Solicitor or Barrister, or equivalent, with current ability to practise
- I understand that I will be asked to provide original certificates to verify my qualifications at point of offer.
Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Accuracy
- Possess an excellent grasp of English and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels
- Communicate with all disciplines of staff and external stakeholders in a clear and effective manner
- Deal with people appropriately depending on the circumstances and individuals concerned
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Tact and diplomacy
- Good keyboard skills
- Organisational skills
- Good telephone manner
- Exhibits emotional intelligence and willingness to learn
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge of the principles and processes of dealing with English Courts and Tribunal Services
- Extensive previous advocacy experience in Employment Tribunals.
- Ability to analyse and advise on highly complex matters, both orally and in writing
- Previous experience of dealing with and advising on Employment Law including complex issues
- Theoretical knowledge of NHS provisions, governance, structures and social care policies
Desirable
- Experience of other forms of litigation in a healthcare setting such as employment tribunal, Coroners Court, professional regulatory or county court
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working as a Solicitor/ Barrister in the field of Employment Law
- Significant experience of advocacy in Employment Tribunals and a willingness to learn to undertake advocacy in other settings, such as a Coroners Court
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in Healthcare Law
- Previous experience in a similar Health or Social Care environment
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Recognised team player, flexible and adaptable
- Able to meet the travel requirements of the role
Qualifications
Essential
- Solicitor or Barrister, or equivalent, with current ability to practise
- I understand that I will be asked to provide original certificates to verify my qualifications at point of offer.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).