Accounts Receivable Legal Officer

Job description:

• To provide legal advice and guidance to the Council’s Adult Services Finance team on matters relating to the recovery of social services debt (eg. charges for residential accommodation provided in care homes, respite care, home care)
• To issue claims and have conduct of cases relating to the recovery of social services debt
• To represent the Council at the County Court on matters relating to the recovery of social services debt
• To instruct the Council’s Legal Services team to advise as appropriate

Main duties:

Preparation and conduct of cases from instruction to completion including drafting claim forms, particulars of claim and witness statements

• Drafting all court documents necessary during the course of proceedings e.g. requests for and replies to requests for further information, lists of documents and disclosure. Once a judgement in proceedings is obtained, considering the facts and advising on the most appropriate method of enforcement

• Maintain up to date knowledge regarding relevant legislation and guidance eg. Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care and Support Statutory Guidance

• Manage casework to comply with time limits and meet deadlines to ensure that all matters are processed effectively and efficiently

• Managing and reviewing caseload

• Providing high quality, timely legal advice to officers as required

• Representing the Council in the County Court

• Considering the evidence supplied by instructing officers and evaluating whether the evidence justifies the Council taking legal action. Drafting witness statements and obtaining further evidence as necessary to ensure a good case is presented

• Communicating and negotiating with solicitors, defendants, members of the public and others in writing, by telephone and in person

• Providing guidance and training to officers as required

• Input to and support for the development and implementation of new procedures within the team

• Other duties and responsibilities of a similar professional nature, and at a similar responsibility level to those described above which may be allocated

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Knowledge, skills & Abilities:

1. Knowledge and understanding of law and procedure relating to civil litigation matters and specifically relating to social services debt recovery
2. Ability to obtain and evaluate evidence, prepare cases and appear as advocate on behalf of the Council before courts, tribunals and other bodies, in both defended and undefended cases.
3. Ability to communicate with and advise in writing and orally, at all organisational levels including Members, Directors and others.
4. Ability to provide a consistent and fair approach towards members of the public and Council employees in accordance with Council policies