Paralegal - Social Work

Social Work England; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for social work is seeking a paralegal to manage legal correspondence, assist in analyses of restricted information, and support legal proceedings. Candidates should have a degree or equivalent experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage sensitive information. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to legal functions within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of case management and working with lawyers in legal proceedings.
• Ability to draft legal documents clearly and effectively.
• Experience managing sensitive information within case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Carry out analysis and identification of restricted information in regulatory processes.
• Manage large quantities of sensitive information according to data protection legislation.
• Provide high-quality customer service to stakeholders and manage correspondence.

Skills

Excellent analytical skills

Excellent organisation and time management

Effective communication skills

Legal research skills

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Job description

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 paralegal is a central point of contact ensuring that the work of the legal team is managed appropriately and in a timely manner, monitoring inboxes and ensuring the efficient prioritisation and allocation of tasks. The paralegal also assists in supporting the organisation in responding to litigation, acting as a primary contact for incoming correspondence from the courts and other parties, creating bundles, undertaking research and supporting training of colleagues across Social Work England. Whilst all team members will be encouraged to develop their skills and experience across the breadth of the legal work we cover, this paralegal post will have particular focus on restricted information and how this is handled across the organisation. It is anticipated that they, in conjunction with others, will be involved in reviewing large volumes of documentation in order to identify restricted information, assisting with making court applications for permission, liaising with Counsel's Chambers, and ensuring that restricted information is handled lawfully. While the role will focus on restricted information, there will also be opportunities to become involved in other projects relating to our regulatory functions and to participate in the work of the wider legal team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out initial analysis and identification of restricted information within documents used in our regulatory processes and propose next steps and advice to the lawyer regarding obtaining, using and further communicating restricted information within our regulatory processes.
• Review and manage large quantities of sensitive information in accordance with data protection legislation and our data management policies and procedures.
• Support the legal team to deliver against statutory timescales and meets business needs.
• Act as a triage decision maker with colleagues from the fitness to practise directorate.
• Provide consistent and high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders, as well as parties involved in cases, including by sending, receiving, and managing correspondence to and from Social Work England in a timely and appropriate manner.
• 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 drafting instructions, liaising with our external legal provider and Chambers; ensuring relevant papers and bundles are prepared as needed and in good order.
• Upload documents and correspondence to the case management system in a timely manner to help ensure complete and accurate case records.
• Draft written legal advice to various stakeholders within the organisation on a wide range of legal issues, under the supervision of a qualified lawyer.
• Research and keep up to date with developments in legal areas relevant to Social Work England.
• Support the organisation in reviewing internal policies, procedures and processes, and developing and providing training to colleagues across the organisation, under the supervision of a qualified lawyer.

Qualifications

• Use electronic systems to ensure accurate and reliable record-keeping, and work within Social Work England's data protection policy.
• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven experience of case management, case progression and working with lawyers in legal proceedings (whether civil, criminal or family).
• Excellent analytical skills and an ability to understand legal and procedural issues, with excellent attention to detail.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of stakeholders; and the ability to draft in a clear and comprehensive manner.
• Excellent legal research skills and a willingness to further develop your understanding of the law.
• Experience of managing sensitive and confidential information and maintaining records within case management systems.
• A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.