Senior Legal Officer Child Care

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Officer (Child Care) to manage a caseload of childcare legal matters. The role involves providing legal advice, preparing court applications, and representing the Council in legal forums. Candidates should have proven experience in childcare law, excellent drafting skills, and a commitment to high-quality legal service. The position offers 37 hours per week with remote working options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a childcare law caseload ideally within a local authority or public sector legal environment.
• Excellent drafting and written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise legal documents.
• Strong knowledge of public law childcare proceedings including PLO and court processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of childcare and related legal matters under supervision.
• Provide clear and robust legal advice to client departments on Childrens Services.
• Prepare applications to court, draft legal documents, and represent the Council.

Skills

Experience managing a childcare law caseload

Excellent drafting and written communication skills

Strong knowledge of public law childcare proceedings

Ability to interpret and apply legislation

Skilled in case management systems

Ability to work with minimal supervision

Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

Understanding of local government functions

Commitment to professional development

Education

Qualified Legal Executive (CILEx) or equivalent legal qualification

Job description

Job Summary

Cardiff Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Legal Officer (Child Care) to join the Governance and Legal Services Directorate within the Community Legal Team.

Key Duties / Accountabilities

• Manage a caseload of childcare (public and private law) and related legal matters under the supervision of senior lawyers or operational managers.
• Provide clear and robust legal advice to client departments on matters relating to Childrens Services and Adult Services.
• Prepare applications to court for orders, draft statements, position papers and other relevant legal documents.
• Represent the Council at Legal Planning Meetings, PLO Meetings and other relevant forums.
• Liaise effectively with social workers, witnesses, counsel, solicitors and external agencies to progress cases efficiently.
• Ensure quality assurance of documentation including Section 7 and Section 37 reports, witness statements, PLO letters and risk assessments.
• Keep abreast of developments in childcare and local government law, applying updates to practice and procedure.
• Support and mentor Legal Officers and Assistants within the team as required.
• Contribute to service improvement and promote best practice within Legal Services.
• Uphold confidentiality, professional standards and compliance with safeguarding and data protection legislation.
• Actively promote and adhere to the Councils Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing a childcare law caseload ideally within a local authority or public sector legal environment.
• Excellent drafting and written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise legal documents.
• Strong knowledge of public law childcare proceedings including PLO and court processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations and case law effectively to provide sound legal advice.
• Skilled in case management systems and proficient in IT including word processing and document management.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, prioritising workload and meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to build positive relationships across services and external agencies.
• Understanding of local government functions and experience advising on social care‑related legal issues.
• Commitment to professional development, equality, confidentiality and the delivery of a high‑quality legal service.

Additional Information

Qualified Legal Executive (CILEx) or equivalent legal qualification (minimum requirement).

Hours

37 per week (Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00).

Disclosure Requirement

Enhanced DBS (role exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).

Remote Working

Remote working.