PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1.
Strategy – To assist in the development of strategies and plans for implementing new legislation by assisting in the provision of advice to the Council in relation to it’s legal obligations and timescales for implementation. Work under the supervision of other staff to formulate plans to establish revised systems and structures to respond within the timescales.
2.
Customer Focus – To prepare, advise on and contribute to reports for committees, which have a legal dimension to ensure compliance with relevant law and Council’s policies and to check the legality and accuracy of new Council policy and committee minutes.
To negotiate, draft, prepare, review and agree as necessary, standard legal documents, including thresholds, court documents and statements. Clients can be service departments and a range of outside authorities, bodies and organisations.
To provide oral and written legal advice and assistance to officers and departments and external bodies. The advice is sometimes required urgently with little or no time for research.
To undertake the preparation of legal proceedings and present less complex cases on behalf of the Council in the courts, public inquiries or other tribunals to achieve the best outcome for the client in the circumstances. To be responsible for less complex cases run on behalf of the Council and advice given under the guidance of experienced staff, where decisions taken upon the advice given can have far-reaching effects. This work has an impact on the lives of vulnerable people, children and their families, employees, housing tenants and those who have been subjected to antisocial behaviour. To work in a way that minimises the personal risk and ensures the safety of him/herself and other team members when dealing with violent and abusive clients - for example, when evictions take place or when children are removed from parental or others’ care. To instruct experts and Barristers in matters as appropriate and to obtain approval and negotiate their fees.
Assist as instructed in the supervision and manage work carried out by Legal Officers and Assistant Legal Officers, providing assistance on points of law and procedure relevant to their workload.
3.
Performance Management – To assist the Head of Legal Services by undertaking legal work other tasks as directed. To be proactive in providing support to him/her and the Council. To provide support to the Team Leaders.
To work with other staff in dealing with routine casework, and work as part of a project team when working collaboratively on cases. To ensure compliance with all managerial requirements and quality standards.
4.
Leadership – To participate in the corporate workings of the Council by taking part in inter service groups and working parties and by developing an understanding of local government affairs generally and current issues of Kingston upon Hull City Council. To support the Head of Legal Services, other Senior Officers and Team Leaders in their roles.
To assist in the preparation, prepare and deliver in-house legal training and development for colleagues, other Council departments and members of the Council to develop their knowledge and understanding of legal matters resulting in effective delivery of the Council’s services.