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Would you enjoy working as part of a busy, friendly and well-respected team? The Joint Legal Team, based in the Civic Offices in Reading, provides a legal service in Adult Social Care and Education law to four of the Berkshire unitary authorities.

We are seeking to recruit applicants who will commit to the continued success of the team and to the high standard of service which we provide to our clients. Successful candidates will be rewarded with an interesting and varied workload and a friendly and supportive working environment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the role

The successful applicant will assist a team of solicitors with their caseloads and will have an active role in our care proceedings and private law work, seeing cases from early stages through to a successful conclusion.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

About you

This is an exciting opportunity a legal assistant or for candidates who have attained a legal qualification and are looking to build up relevant experience. You should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the Children Act 1989, in both public and private law, and any other legislation relevant to this area of work.

To apply for this role, you’ll need a primary legal qualification, CILEX level 3 certificate in law and practice or the equivalent.

A range of skills, abilities and competencies are required for this role, including the ability to manage a workload with increasing complexity, providing advice of a high standard which inspires confidence for the recipient, excellent time management skills and the ability to organise and prioritise workload to meet service needs.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Jasbir Lall, Team Leader Adult Social Care and Education at [email protected]

Closing Date: 7th September 2023

Interview Date: Week commencing 11th September 2023

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.