Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives.
The purpose of this role is to support the lawyer (case examiner review) to review the decisions of our internal case examiners, which is a key part of our regulation of the social work profession. These reviews are undertaken in line with our powers as set out in the Fitness to Practise Rules 2019 (as amended). The lawyer (case examiner review) and paralegal (case examiner review) will also work together to collate and share feedback from these reviews, to support learning and development across the organisation.
This team sits within our in-house legal team, who provide legal advice on both broader regulatory law and business support. While the role will focus on the case examiner review process, the paralegal (case examiner review) will also support their legal colleagues by participating in the work of the wider legal team. This will include, but is not limited to, providing support and advice on matters relating to Social Work England’s regulatory functions under the supervision of a qualified lawyer, and opportunities to become involved in other projects requiring support from the legal team.
What you will do
- Analyse large amounts of information in relation to applications to review case examiners’ decisions, highlight the key points and suggest next steps.
- Work with the lawyer (case examiner review) to identify, request and obtain the information and submissions needed to complete a review of a case examiner’ decision in accordance with our legislation.
- Manage large quantities of sensitive and potentially distressing information in relation to fitness to practise investigations in accordance with data protection legislation and our data management policies and procedures.
- Upload documents and correspondence to the case management system in a timely manner to help ensure complete and accurate case records.
- Provide consistent and high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders, as well as parties involved in fitness to practise cases, including by sending, receiving, and managing all case correspondence to and from Social Work England in a timely and appropriate manner. In addition, develop and maintain strong relationships throughout the organisation, using your legal knowledge to provide support.
- Assist in the conduct of legal proceedings brought by, against or in relation to Social Work England, including by assisting in the review of relevant application forms, drafting instructions, ensuring relevant papers and bundles are prepared as needed and in good order, and liaising with the Court, external solicitors and/or counsel.
- Act as a triage decision maker with colleagues from the fitness to practise directorate.
- Draft written legal advice to various stakeholders within the organisation on a wide range of legal issues, with the supervision of a qualified lawyer.
- Participate in project teams and working groups as necessary to further the work of the legal team and our objectives.
- Support the organisation in reviewing internal policies, procedures, and processes, and developing and providing training to colleagues across the organisation, with the supervision of a qualified lawyer. This will include legal research, conducting an initial review of documents, and participating in producing and presenting training alongside colleagues.
Your skills, knowledge and experience
- The ability to analyse large volumes of complex information and documents, to identify key issues and evidence, with excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to understand legal and procedural issues, consider options available, and make appropriate recommendations.
- The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- The ability to draft advice in a clear and comprehensive manner.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills (including organising own workload) and the ability to manage several tasks while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
- Excellent legal research skills and a willingness to further develop your understanding of the law, particularly in relation to professional regulation and family law.
- Experience with case management systems and of maintaining records.
- Experience of managing sensitive and confidential information.
- A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Details
- Job type: Permanent, full time.
- Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
- Salary: £31,364 per year, rising to £33,605 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/hybrid remote.
- Benefits: flexible working, contributory pension, life insurance and benefits portal.
- Interview dates: 11 September 2024.
Application
During the application process, you'll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31,364.00-£33,605.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Work from home
Schedule:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sheffield
Reference ID: 10244