Adult Social Care Debt Recovery Lawyer
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
About this job
<p>The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council (LBBD) is a dynamic London local authority with a dedicated Law & Governance service employing around 50 legal professionals. Our Council has been recognised for its achievements – including Investors in People Gold accreditation – and emphasises support, flexibility and development for staff. We pride ourselves on a collaborative, progressive environment and offer roles with great benefits and flexible working options.</p> <p>This role involves leading the legal work on adult social care debt recovery under the Care Act framework. You will handle debts arising from care and support charges (e.g. unpaid residential or domiciliary care fees), including recoveries from estates and cases of financial abuse or intentional deprivation of assets.</p> <p>The position focuses on casework under the Care Act (2014) and associated guidance – from initial assessment and notices through to litigation. You will work closely with the Principal Lawyer (Housing, Civil & Prosecutions Advocate) and advise senior council officers on recovery strategy and legal implications.</p>
Special requirements for this post
<p>Qualified Solicitor or barrister or equivalent e.g. FILEX or Other post Graduate qualification in any relevant legal area or discipline.</p> <p>Experience of working unsupervised, preferably in a legal services environment and to be able to plan and manage workloads in a methodical manner whilst maintaining accuracy, attention to detail and achieving deadlines.</p>
About you
<p>We are looking for a solicitor (or barrister/legal executive) with substantial post-qualification experience in adult social care debt recovery or related practice.</p> <p>This role is open to external candidates who can demonstrate strong legal skills in advocacy, drafting and case management. You should be confident in working independently on complex files, and in advising colleagues on legal strategy and compliance.</p> <p>Experience of the Care Act or similar adult social care legislation is highly desirable, as is familiarity with council processes. You should have a commitment to public service and be able to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal colleagues.</p> <p>Experience of using the Iken time recording system would be an advantage.</p>
About us
<p><strong>Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here.</strong></p> <p>Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing – and changing for the better. And It Starts Here.</p> <p>Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it’s on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.</p> <p>We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We’re even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.</p> <p>Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we’re focused on what matters most to local people. </p> <p>We’re creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger. </p> <p>#ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what’s best for the future of Barking and Dagenham. </p> <p>As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.</p> <p>Our values, known as</p> <ul> <li>DRIVE, shape how we work: Deliver our best every day – and do what we promise</li> <li>Respond in a prompt, positive way to our community’s needs</li> <li>Inspire others with our attitudes and actions</li> <li>Value people for who they are and what they can do</li> <li>Engage with others to improve our resilience and flexibility We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.</li> </ul> <p>We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.</p>