• 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.

• Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, you will provide expert legal advice and case management on matters relating to children’s social care law, supporting the Council in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

• The role involves managing a varied childcare caseload, preparing and presenting cases in court, and offering high-quality legal support to internal clients. This position offers flexible and remote working.

• 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 Children’s 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 Council’s Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, and Safeguarding policies.

• 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.

• 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.