Lawyer - Adult Social Care

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and making a difference in the community? Would you thrive in a committed, friendly, and supportive team? We are seeking a dedicated and proactive candidate to join our Adult Social Care Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, supporting vital services that protect and empower adults in need.

The role involves providing advice and representing the client department on all Adult Social Care matters, including Safeguarding, Mental Capacity, Court of Protection proceedings, Deferred Payment Agreements, Deprivation of Liberty, and Judicial Reviews. Your knowledge will be instrumental in guiding the local authority through complex legal matters and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable individuals.

The role offers an opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding cases directly impacting the lives of those in need. You'll be part of a team committed to delivering high-quality legal services in the public sector.

Staffordshire County Council genuinely recognises the benefit of achieving the right work-life balance, and our extensive package of benefits supports this. Our staff survey indicates that our work ethos truly delivers this. We invest in our employees, and our package includes a generous holiday entitlement, increasing with service, and an additional annual leave purchase scheme. We offer flexible and hybrid working (in appropriate roles), employee travel and entertainment discounts, a local government pension scheme, optional car lease scheme, and a staff parking discount scheme. We also provide family-friendly policies such as maternity, adoption, paternity, and parental leave.

• Managing a caseload of ASC files, providing legal advice to the local authority's Adult Social Care service
• Handling Court of Protection proceedings involving safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable adults lacking mental capacity
• Advising on the availability of services to meet social care needs under the Care Act 2014
• Reviewing and potentially challenging local authority decisions to refuse care and support
• Providing guidance on funding care and support for individuals who don't meet the means test for local authority-funded care
• Representing the client department at case-related meetings and conducting advocacy in court where appropriate
• Adhering to the Legal Services Unit's quality standards (Lexcel), including time-recording to maintain professional standards
• Handling confidential data securely and sensitively in accordance with policy

• Legal qualification as a Legal Executive, Solicitor, or Barrister with expertise in adult social care and mental health law
• A desire to work in the public sector supporting vulnerable community members
• Excellent communication skills for providing legal advice, advocacy, and stakeholder interaction
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Effective time management, prioritisation, and ability to work under pressure

If you are unsure whether your skills and experience suit this role or if you have any queries, please contact Wendy Lofthouse, Deputy Legal Services Manager, at .

Interview Date: 26 August 2025

We are no ordinary county council. Our values are at the heart of our organisation and are shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice. They foster a community spirit that brings our people together, making us proud of the difference we make every day for Staffordshire residents. We are ambitious, aiming for a better future, and committed to supporting our employees in achieving their full potential and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Our benefits include access to our rewards and benefits program, designed to support your career and personal life.

Our recruitment process is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities employer, a Disability Confident employer, and supports diversity and inclusion initiatives. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants meeting the minimum criteria, supporting care leavers, armed forces personnel, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.