Assistant Legal Services Manager

An opportunity has arisen to join the Legal Team as Assistant Legal Services Manager at CDDFT. The team is a small specialised department comprising of a Legal Services Manager, two Assistant Legal Services Managers and a Legal Services Administrative Assistant.The post holder will work as part of the team, deputising for the Legal Servcies Manager when the need arises, represent the Trust and act on its behalf in all clinical negligence claims, employer and public liability claims, Inquests and associated matters. The post holder will support in ensuring that the best settlements are achieved both from an economic and equitable standpoint and within stringent timescales and will do as much in house as possible with the consequent savings to the Trust of unnecessary legal fees.Main duties of the jobThis is an exciting and interesting role with a huge variety of different tasks to perform. The work is complex and varied and no two days are the same. It is rewarding to manage claims against the Trust and achieve satisfactory outcomes in tight timescales with the correct information. The role also provides influence in learning lessons to improve the care of patients moving forward. It is rewarding to be able to support staff through the claims and Inquest process so that they feel reassured and care for. The post holder must be able to work quickly and deal with tight deadlines and matters which are urgent such as Court of Protection casesAbout usIf you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the managerYou must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checksWe provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-representedFrom April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary 23,200, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this postFull Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documentsJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesTo fulfil the duties and responsibilities as described below and to act on the Legal Services Managers behalf in their absence.Entirely without supervision to support the Legal Services Manager in the management of all new Clinical Negligence claims against the Trust in-house without recourse to solicitors.To manage the investigation of Employer Liability and Public Liability claims to ensure that NHS Resolution have accurate and timely information to enable cases to be successfully defended or settled expeditiously. Within limited resources to assist in the management of the heavy workload of claims made against the Trust as effectively, efficiently and economically as possible according to the Civil Procedure Rules and NHS Resolution ProtocolsIn the absence of the Legal Services Manager (who works 23 hours per week) to take appropriate action on any urgent issues/correspondence which arise to ensure that the Trusts position is protected.Liaise with the Trust Finance Department with regard to the authorisation of payments for Employer and Public Liability To refer any relevant issues and any concerns, or trends highlighted by Clinical Negligence, Employer and Public Liability claims, to the relevant manager of that area for action.To assist in the co-ordination of complex Coroner enquiries. To act as the Administrator of Ulysses Litigation and Inquest modules for the department and to attend the Ulysses User Group monthly meeting.To prepare the quarterly Litigation Report, Annual report and other ad hoc reports for the Department.To respond to Freedom of Information requests for the Department.To regularly update the Department Standard Operating Procedures.To field any routine issues from the Legal Services Manager whilst ensuring they are still kept fully up to date. To act as a departmental Senior Information Asset Owner (SIAO), Information Asset Owner (IAO) or Information Asset Assistant (IAA) as appropriate in order to ensure that information assets are managed in accordance with data protection principles and the Trusts information lifecycle policy.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential
Educated to Degree standard or equivalent experience IT qualification Evidence of continuing professional development
Special RequirementsEssential
Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
Special Skills and KnowledgeEssential
Extensive knowledge of the Civil Procedure rules. Extensive knowledge of NHS Resolution protocols. Clear understanding of the General Data Protection Regulations.
Desirable
Experience of dealing with NHS Legal services. Experience of dealing with claims against the NHS within a law firm. Knowledge of Ulysses
ExperienceEssential
Experience of managing a large workload at a senior level without supervision. Proven experience of working to tight deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels face to face, in writing and on the telephone - sensitively and effectively. Sensitive and compassionate outlook for dealing with distressed staff involved in litigation. A sound understanding of confidentiality. Must be a good team player. Proven experience of problem solving.
Motivated and enthusiastic. Assertive and decisive. Excellent time management skills. Good knowledge of Microsoft packages, especially Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Adaptable and flexible to deal with various ad hoc queries.
Employer detailsEmployer nameCounty Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation TrustAddressAppleton House Lanchester Road Durham DH1 5XZAny attachments will be accessible after you click to apply. C9439-24-#####
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