Legal Officer (Children’s) - 37 hours

Application Deadline: 5 December 2025Department: Corporate ServicesLocation: Torbay CouncilCompensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / yearDescriptionJob Description & Person Specification >Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently unprecedented levels of investment and the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets. As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at this year’s LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.To complement this journey, we are now seeking a legal officer to join our Children’s Legal Services Team. This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved in supporting our senior lawyers in relation to their representation of children’s services within both public law and within private law matters, supporting the safeguarding of children and ensuring the Local Authority is fulfilling its statutory duties. This role includes support in relation to all aspects of child protection, from emergency protection orders and care proceedings to adoption, disclosure work, leaving care advice and immigration issues relating to children and families.No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.Undertaking the role of legal officer, you will be excited by a fast-paced and varied workload, conscientious and keen to further your professional development. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of their ambitious transformation journey.In return we offer:A generous salary.26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.A Career Average Re-Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions.A great working environment with flexible hours.Family friendly policies. A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits. Learning and development opportunities.A supportive management and team structure.We would welcome applications from suitable candidates.If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/legal-officer-children-s-1/For an informal chat please contact Katrina Forsythe on 01803207169 or Katrina.Forsythe@torbay.gov.uk.Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 08th December 2025.This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.SkillsEssential:Effective verbal and written communication skills.Able to influence, support and advise.Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships, especially within a team environment.As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.KnowledgeEssential:Awareness of the legal system I processes and procedures.Knowledge of the law relating to children’s social care.Experience & QualificationsEssential:Experience of law and practice relating to Child Care and Adoption.Experience of and ability to effectively use IT equipment.